Hartlepool sank deeper into relegation trouble after going down 3-0 at Burton, their sixth successive defeat.

The result left Colin Cooper's men only two points above the relegation zone as the home team kept alive their hopes of automatic promotion. Burton had early chances, with Jimmy Phillips sidefooting a shot narrowly wide before Robbie Weir's six-yard header was deflected past a post. But Pools should have taken the lead in the 21st minute when substitute Marlon Harwood - on for injured top scorer Luke James - was sent clear but could only shoot against the legs of home goalkeeper Dean Lyness. Instead, it was Burton who went in front six minutes later when Kee struck from six yards after the visitors failed to defend Ian Sharps' long ball into the box. Phillips doubled the hosts' advantage in the 57th minute when he curled in a shot from the edge of the area. Pools offered little in reply and their fate was sealed when home skipper Lee Bell thundered in a 22-yard free-kick in the 84th minute.