AFC Wimbledon endured a frustrating afternoon in the north east as they were beaten by bottom side Hartlepool.

The Dons were lacklustre for 90 minutes barely registered a meaningful shot on goal.

Manager Neal Ardley went aggressive to try and win the game by bringing on Sammy Moore and Ade Azeez after 71 minutes.

But they were punished for their wastefulness in front of goal as Ryan Bird turned home Jack Compton's cross home to give the Pools the lead.

Wimbledon pushed forward after going behind but were unable to wrestle an equaliser to take a point back to London.

The defeat leaves Wimbledon eight points adrift of the play-offs with 13 games left to play.

DONS: Shea, Fuller, Winfield, Oshilaja, Kennedy, Potter (Azeez 71), Bulman, Reeves, Rigg (Moore 71), Akinfenwa, Tanner (Connolly 84).

Subs (not used): Smith, Phillips, Beere, McDonnell.