Hartlepool United caretaker boss Sam Collins saw his side lose 3-1 at the Store First Stadium and slip into the League Two relegation zone this evening.

Shay McCartan put Accrington Stanley ahead on 19 minutes when he fired a powerful effort beyond Scott Flinders and into the top right corner.

Hartlepool equalised just before half time when Matthew Bates nodded Ryan Brobbel's cross beyond on-loan Fulham goalkeeper Jesse Joronen.

However, the home side restored their lead just seconds before half time through Robert Atkinson's header.

Accrington extended their lead when McCartan grabbed his second 15 minutes from time to pile the misery on Collins's side.