Hartlepool United FC 0 - 1 Oxford United: Danny Hytlon inspires promotion-chasing Oxford to victory at Hartlepool

Oxford moved top of Sky Bet League Two with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Hartlepool.

In a game played at full pace from start to finish, the Us sneaked it and leapfrogged Plymouth thanks to substitute Danny Hylton.

But they were made to work hard to extend their impressive run to just one defeat in 17 games.

Pools midfielder Jake Gray struck the bar with a fine piece of skill, chesting the ball down and hooking a 20-yard volley that had goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel beaten.

And Gray should have had a penalty when he was shoved over in the area by centre-half Jonny Mullins, only for referee Seb Stockbridge to ignore the claim.

Trevor Carson, the home goalkeeper, saved well at his near post from John Lundstram, but Pools should have gone in front on 56 minutes.

Striker Mikael Mandon, on loan from Sunderland, was played in on goal, but with plenty of time to pick his spot could only find the legs of keeper Buchel.

It allowed the Us to soon go ahead. From a Pools corner, Alex MacDonald tore away on the right flank and his cross was perfect for the on-rushing Hylton to volley in.