Hartlepool United FC 1 - 0 AFC Wimbledon: Adam Jackson fires Pools to victory over AFC Wimbledon

Adam Jackson grabbed the only goal as Hartlepool extended their unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two to five games with a 1-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon.

The centre-back nodded home the decisive goal midway through the first half to help Pools move further clear of the relegation zone.

Both sides struggled for a foothold in the early stages until Craig Hignett's men opened the scoring in the 22nd minute.

Luke James capitalised on Wimbledon's failure to clear a Nathan Thomas free-kick, sending a bicycle kick into the area for Jackson to convert.

The hosts almost added a second 13 minutes later, James spinning in the box and rattling the post with a snap-shot.

Wimbledon threatened thereafter and would have entered the break level were it not for Trevor Carson producing a fine save to deny Lyle Taylor.

The visitors continued to press forward after the interval and looked especially dangerous when Adebayo Akinfenwa's introduction signalled a more direct approach.

But Hartlepool withstood the barrage, Carson making a fine save to deny Ade Azeez in stoppage time.