Hartlepool ended a run of six Vanarama National League games without a win as they beat fellow strugglers Oxford City 2-1 at the Suit Direct Stadium.

The hosts, who appointed Lennie Lawrence as caretaker manager on Wednesday following the sacking of John Askey last month, held the upper hand for most of the match.

Joe Grey cracked an early effort against the bar and Anthony Mancini brought a good save out of Jack Bycroft.

Tom Crawford lashed Hartlepool in front on 56 minutes when he fired home on the rebound, and Grey’s effort from close range doubled their lead five minutes later.

City, who went into the game with just one league win in their last seven, reduced the deficit when Seydil Toure scored in the 77th minute.