Luton 2-1 Hartlepool: Craig Mackail-Smith scored his first goal for five months

Striker Craig Mackail-Smith scored his first goal for five months as Luton beat Hartlepool 2-1 to enjoy their first home win of the year.

The forward netted with just four minutes remaining after it looked like the Hatters' long wait for a victory would continue.

Town had come close on 10 minutes when Scott Cuthbert's looping header was clawed away by keeper Trevor Carson.

Danny Green's cross was inches away from Jack Marriott, while Stephen O'Donnell fired well wide of the target.

Green sent a volley over the top and then was off target from a 25-yard free kick, before Pools missed the best chance on 40 minutes as Nathan Thomas slid wide from six yards out.

In the second period, Nicky Featherstone's long-range attempt was easy for Mark Tyler, while Cameron McGeehan was just wide after racing through the middle and shooting with his left boot.

Town took the lead on the hour as Green's free-kick was adjudged to have been handled in the area, with referee Andy Davies awarding a penalty.

McGeehan took it and fired low into the net, but Luton's lead lasted all of five minutes as Adam Jackson headed a corner beyond Tyler to make it 1-1.

Mackail-Smith replaced Joe Pigott after 80 minutes and proved to be the difference, racing on to Olly Lee's ball and lifting his finish over Carson.