Hartlepool United's League Two encounter with Portsmouth has ended 0-0 at Victoria Park.

Pools came closest to taking the lead early on in the game as Pompey failed to clear their lines but Ryan Brobbel was unable to keep his shot down.

Pompey could have taken the lead in the first half due to a confusion between Matthew Bates and goalkeeper Scott Flinders nearly resulting in a goal.

Following the restart Middlesbrough loanee Brobbel came close to breaking the deadlock after his free kick was deflected over.

Brobbel continued to threaten Portsmouth's defence late on but his shot was blocked by Joe Devera.

The game ended goalless, with a point not enough to get Hartlepool out of the relegation zone.