Hartlepool 2-3 Exeter

From Vital Hartlepool:

Hartlepool United threw away a half time lead, losing a crucial game to Exeter.

Exeter were ahead early on, Pools lost possession and the Grecians broke quickly. Ryan Harley broke into the box and took the ball round the oncoming Scott Flinders before slotting home in front of the travelling supporters.

Pools looked sloppy in defence, Neil Austin was out of sorts at right back while Sam Collins was caught out on a number of occasions. Luckily, Flinders was in fine form, tipping an effort round the post from ex-Pools loanee Daniel Nardiello. A poor start to the half but Pools came back into the game as the match went on.

Humphreys made the keeper work to keep out a long range effort before bringing the scores level on 38 minutes, a loose ball in the box caused problems for the visitors and Humphreys was able to smash into the back of the net for his first goal in two-and-a-half years.

Pools were able to double the lead just before the break, a ball from Andy Monkhouse caused mayhem in the box and up popped Antony Sweeney to stab the ball home.

It wasn't a classic performance but Pools went into the break 2-1 ahead, however we all know that's the toughest score in football..

Pools started the second half in a sluggish fashion and were punished as Exeter drew the scores level. Pools defence failed to deal with a long ball forward and John O'Flynn breezed through Pools static defence and slotted past Scott Flinders.

Pools had yet to wake up and allowed both Harley and Troy Archibald-Henville chances to score and were punished soon after as the Grecians regained the lead.

Pools defence again were slow to react as Exeter broke down their left, despite having numerous defenders in the box Pools allowed Scott Golbourne to float the ball across the area for O'Flynn who headed home unchallenged.

Pools scrapped for the rest of the game but were unable to break down a dogged Exeter defence, fans left the ground wondering how Pools didn't claim at least a point from the game.

This is just a sample, read the full article on Vital Hartlepool: Report: Hartlepool Fall To Exeter Defeat - click here.

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