Bristol Rovers 4 - 1 Hartlepool United FC: Matt Taylor hat-trick helps Bristol Rovers to comfortable win

Matt Taylor netted a hat-trick as Bristol Rovers moved into the play-off places with a 4-1 victory over Hartlepool at the Memorial Stadium.

The striker opened the scoring after 10 minutes with a left-footed volley from just inside the box after Billy Bodin's lay-off had set up the chance.

Rory Gaffney pounced on a defensive error and a weak challenge from goalkeeper Trevor Carson to run through and tap home the second after 31 minutes.

And the result was put beyond doubt in the 38th minute when a sweeping move out of defence ended with Taylor powerfully heading home Lee Brown's left-wing cross.

Billy Paynter pulled a goal back after 52 minutes, shooting past Steve Mildenhall after a clever through ball from Brad Walker, but Taylor completed his treble four minutes later as another Brown cross left him with a tap-in.

Walker hit the crossbar and the outside of a post for Hartlepool, but they ended up well-beaten by a Rovers side who lost Gaffney with a hamstring injury in the 76th minute.