Pools end the season on a high with victory at Tranmere

Hartlepool ended a season to forget on a high, with a 2-1 victory ensuring Tranmere head into the play-offs on the back of successive home defeats.Andy Cook had the first chance of the game for Rovers but goalkeeper Scott Loach held his low shot.Pools responded, with Jake Cassidy not too far away with an overhead-kick attempt, while Lewis Hawkins' volley was saved by the legs of Scott Davies.Loach produced a stunning stop to deny James Norwood as he raced through on goal, but it was the visitors who were ahead at the break.Liam Donnelly, back in the side after injury, slotted home a penalty to send the Hartlepool fans - most dressed as clowns - wild.Substitute Rhys Oates came close to doubling Hartlepool's advantage with a chipped effort after the break, while at the other end Cook dragged a shot wide from close in.Oates did make it 2-0 with a neat flick, but Tranmere were straight back in the game when Jeff Hughes curled home a free-kick.Rovers pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Hartlepool stood firm.