STRIKER Jermaine Beckford fired his 32nd goal of the season as Leeds United beat struggling Hartlepool 1-0 in League One.

Beckford struck on 60 minutes after being teed up by Ben Parker as the Whites stayed in the race for third place with MK Dons and Millwall.

Prior to Beckford’s winner, Bradley Johnson rattled the Pools bar with a free-kick and Sam Sodje was denied a headed goal by the woodwork.

United close out their regular campaign with an Elland Road clash against Northampton on Saturday before the play-offs.

Hartlepool: Budtz, Liddle, Nelson (Robson 90), Collins, Skarz, Jones (Humphreys 72), Clark, Sweeney, Monkhouse, Porter (Mackay 90), Nardiello.

Subs (not used): Lee-Barrett, Parker.

Leeds: Ankergren, Douglas, Sodje, Naylor, Parker, Robinson (Hughes 80), Kilkenny (Dickinson 85), Howson, Johnson, Beckford (Grella 80), Becchio.

Subs (not used): Lucas, Marques.

Referee: Colin Webster.

Attendance: 6,402.