In what was billed as a must win for John Askey's side, Hartlepool fell way short of what was necessary as Crawley eased to a 2-0 success at the Suit Direct Stadium to hammer what is pretty much the final nail in Hartlepool’s Football League coffin.
Dom Telford scored twice, once in the first half and again in the second, as Pools continued to look out of sorts following back-to-back defeats away from home.
Telford headed in from close range five minutes before half-time to give Crawley a deserved lead before he picked up a route one goal kick from Crawley goalkeeper Corey Addai to touch and finish shortly after the hour mark.
Pools were unable to muster up a response as they limped to a third straight 2-0 defeat and a one which will likely see them in the National League next season.
13. Oliver Finney - 5
Replaced Cooke soon after the hour mark and then Crawley doubled their lead which killed any momentum for Hartlepool. Broke into the area once or twice but couldn’t quite pick anyone out with a final ball as things fizzled out. Saw a late effort blocked. (Photo: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
14. Jack Hamilton - NA
Came on in the final 10 minutes or so. Picked up a frustrated yellow card deep into stoppage time but rarely threatened as Crawley saw things out. (Photo: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver