BLAST BECK

0 Comments | Sunday Mirror, Apr 26, 2009 | by JAMES LAWRENCE

JERMAINE BECKFORD notched his 33rd goal of the season as Leeds improved their chances of a top-four finish.

The in-form striker drilled home Ben Parker's cross seconds before the hour mark to leave Hartlepool anxiously looking over their shoulder at the drop-zone as the season enters its final week.

Leeds assistant manager Glynn Snodin said of Beckford: "He is a class act, but just one of a few who played well in this game.

"The players have been magnificent in recent games, and they were again here.

"We perhaps had enough chances to win the game more comfortably, but we are just pleased with the win in the end. Hartlepool are lively when they attack and we felt the best way to beat them was to take the game to them, and that's how it worked out.

"We perhaps had enough chances to win the game more comfortably, but we are just pleased with the win in the end." Leeds enjoyed the better of the first half with both Bradley Johnson and Sam Sodje seeing efforts come back off the bar.

Beckford saw Sam Collins deflect a fizzing shot wide and then hook another of his goalbound attempts off the line..

Australian hitman Joel Porter had Hartlepool's best early chance, seeing a header wellsaved by Casper Ankergren.

The home side started the second period well, Gary Liddle wasting a good chance from close-range after a smart Antony Sweeney cross.

But Beckford soon burst their bubble with his 33rd goal in as many starts this season, while he nearly added a second with an overhead kick that flashed just over the bar. Hartlepool caretaker manager Chris

Turner said: "The difference between the two teams was the class shown by Beckford for their goal.

"He created a chance for himself with his touch and his finish, but we found it difficult to create clear chances ourselves.

"But I'm proud of the way the players have gone into this game, and with the way they played in it.

"They worked hard and defended well against a top team."