Brentford weathered an opening storm at a rain swept Hartlepool United on Friday night, but fought back to ensure the scores remained level at the break for the first time in five games.

First Nikki Bull saved from Pools hot shot Adam Boyd on six minutes, before the same player lifted his shot over from five yards minutes later after the Bees keeper failed to punch clear a speculative cross.

The Bees enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening 45 minutes, but had only a Carl Cort header – comfortably saved by United keeper Scott Flinders – and two Sam Wood efforts to show for their endeavours.

Brentford: Bull, Dickson, Bennett ©, Phillips, Wood, O'Connor, Bean, Saunders, MacDonald, Cort.

Subs not used: Kabba, Weston, Taylor, Osborne, Ferrell, Blake, Moore.