Pools end Swindon run

First-half goals by James Brown and Andy Monkhouse earned Hartlepool a surprise 2-0 win over Swindon, ending an 11-mtach unbeaten since the opening day of the season.

It was an ultimately comfortable victory by mid-table Hartlepool who thoroughly deserved victory, their two goals coming in the opening half hour.

Brown provided Hartlepool with a near-perfect start thanks to his second-minute header from a floated cross by Adam Boyd, forcing Swindon to chase the game.

With the cushion of an early goal, Hartlepool were able to boss affairs, and it came as no surprise when Swindon old boy Monkhouse doubled their lead with a 29th-minute goal.

Brown slipped a low cross in from the right and Monkhouse, in acres of space, drilled an unchallenged shot into the bottom corner.

Swindon struggled to get any rhythm and, despite manager Danny Wilson introducing all three substitutes after the break, the Wiltshire side offered little threat.

Hartlepool's defence had a relatively stress-free afternoon, apart from one header by Tope Obadeyi which hit a defender, and goalkeeper Scott Flinders had to save on the line as Hartlepool held on with some comfort.