Late Hoskins header earns a point for Northampton

Sam Hoskins headed in his 18th goal of the season to earn a 1-1 draw and save Northampton from slipping to defeat at Hartlepool.

Josh Umerah’s first goal in seven games had put Pools on course for a win under manager John Askey, who has now drawn his first three in charge, eight minutes before the break.

But with nine minutes left Hoskins was at the back post to secure a point that means Hartlepool are just a point above the relegation zone, having played two games more than Crawley.

Fourth-placed Northampton had the best of the first-half chances with Pools goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk making strong saves to deny Mitch Pinnock and Louis Appere.

But Lee Burge also made decent stops before Umerah’s opener, particularly when he tipped over a header from the striker following a corner.

After Umerah had found the bottom right of Burge’s net when offside claims were waved away, strike partner Connor Jennings’ lob shaved the netting and that should have been two.

Northampton – who were angered defender Euan Murray did not see red for a stray arm on Jack Sowerby just before the hour – had the best of the second half without testing Stolarczyk until the leveller.

Substitute Kieron Bowie had wasted a good chance seconds before Hoskins was left unmarked at the back post to head in Sam Sherring’s delivery.

Hartlepool could still have won it in stoppage-time when Edon Pruti headed inches wide from a corner.