A late Connor Jennings strike earned struggling Hartlepool a spirited 1-1 draw with leaders Leyton Orient.
The 31-year-old, on loan from Stockport, breathed fresh life into Pools’ battle for survival with a well-taken finish nine minutes from time.
That cancelled out Paul Smyth’s brilliant opener for Orient in the 48th minute – his 10th of the season and first since December 17.
Pools, now four points adrift of safety despite this performance, hit the woodwork twice after that but Orient held on for a point, leaving Richie Wellens’ side five points clear at the top.
Neither goalkeeper was tested in the first half but the visitors looked full of intent straight after the restart and it didn’t take long for Smyth to open the scoring.
The O’s leading scorer was afforded too much space and he cut in before curling left-footed inside the far post from around 18 yards.
Hartlepool responded well and fans thought Josh Umerah had scored when he hit the side-netting from a tight angle and Wes McDonald forced Lawrence Vigouroux into a good save.
After Jennings finished well following Umerah’s determination and pass to level things, Pools went close to winning when McDonald hit the post and Dan Kemp struck the bar.
