Plymouth moved to the top of Sky Bet League 2 on goal difference after snatching a last-gasp 2-1 win at Hartlepool.

The Pilgrims' previous win came in the north east with victory at York on November 14.

Right-back Kelvin Mellor was the unlikely match-winner, charging forward in the 90th minute to crack in a fine, first-time finish from a swift counter-attack.

It was harsh on Pools following a solid performance, much improved on Tuesday's FA Cup replay win over Salford City.

They were the better side in the first half as they pressed Plymouth back.

Pools should have had a penalty when Peter Hartley blocked a Michael Woods shot with his hands.

But the visitors gained the upper hand in the second half and pushed Pools back.

Their reward came in the 77th minute when the impressive Carl McHugh picked up possession on the edge of the area and picked his spot, curling a low finish out of the reach of Hartlepool goalkeeper Trevor Carson.

Pools deservedly levelled after 85 minutes. A curling Scott Harrison cross caused confusion in the area and, after Scott Fenwick was bundled over, the striker got up to send Luke McCormick the wrong way from the penalty spot.

A point looked settled, but that was before Mellor's finish which leaves Hartlepool with only one win in eight.