Hartlepool United 1-1 Leyton Orient

A late Connor Jennings strike earned the struggling Hartlepool a spirited 1-1 draw against league leaders Leyton Orient.

That nullified Paul Smyth’s brilliant opener for Orient in the 48th minute – his 10th of the season and first since December 17.

Pools, who is now four points behind safety despite that performance, hit the woodwork twice after that but Orient held on to one point, giving Richie Wellens’ side a five-point lead at the top.

Neither goalkeeper was tested in the first half but the visitors looked full of anticipation right after the restart and it wasn’t long before Smyth scored the opening goal.

The O’s top scorer was given too much space and cut in before curling his left foot into the far post from around 18 yards out.

Hartlepool reacted well and fans thought Josh Umerah had scored when he hit the side netting from a tight angle and forced a good save from Wes McDonald Lawrence Vigouroux.

After Jennings finished well after Umerah’s determination and pass to level, Pools was close to victory when McDonald hit the post and Dan Kemp hit the crossbar.

Match report by PA Media