League Two Review: Moore´s Hartlepool tenure begins with draw

Hartlepool United ended a run of four consecutive League Two defeats as they held Oxford United 1-1 in Ronnie Moore’s first game in charge.

The former Tranmere Rovers boss took over at Victoria Park this week after being appointed by United’s new owners – TMH 2014 Limited – replacing Paul Murray, who was sacked earlier this month.

Moore’s charges, who are now without a win in nine, took a deserved lead early in the second half through Joe Ironside’s first Hartlepool goal of the campaign.

However, the hosts’ defence was exposed in the 65th minute when Oxford’s top-scorer Danny Hylton fired home – extending the visitors’ unbeaten run to five.

At the other end of standings, table-topping Wycombe Wanderers could only manage a share of the spoils at Accrington Stanley.

Paris Cowan-Hall put Wycombe ahead inside the first 10 minutes but Accrington, who missed out on a money-spinning FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester United after losing at Yeovil Town in the week, fought back thanks to Sean Maguire’s 49th-minute effort.

Luton Town moved into the top three – just two points behind Wycombe – with a well-earned 3-0 triumph over Newport County, ending the Welsh club’s nine-match unbeaten run in the process.

Shrewsbury Town leapfrogged into second with a late goal from Andrew Mangan securing the points against Morecambe at The New Meadow, while Bury threw away a two-goal lead as their clash with York City ended 2-2.

Elsewhere, Plymouth Argyle comfortably dispatched Dagenham and Redbridge 3-0 at Home Park and Carlisle United ended a three-match losing streak with a 2-1 success against Northampton Town in Cumbria.

Ten-man Mansfield Town overcame AFC Wimbledon as Vadaine Oliver’s strike secured the points for Adam Murray’s side in south London, who had Robert Taylor sent off in the first-half.

In Saturday’s remaining fixtures, Exeter City lost 1-0 to Stevenage, while Cheltenham Town and Portsmouth drew 1-1.