Pools certainly started the stronger team, Molyneux and Oates causing lots of problems for that Torquay defence with their runs in behind. The first chance for Pools came just after two minutes, a corner ball was cleared but only as far as Sterry but his effort was dragged wide.
Hartlepool capitalised on their good attacking work with the opener on 14 minutes. Luke Armstrong picked the ball up from deep and played a good ball in behind the defence for Molyneux who slid the ball under the rushing out MacDonald to make it 1-0.
Dave Challinor's men could have added a second two minutes later. Rhys Oates attacking down the left-hand side, cut onto his right foot and his effort was palmed away by MacDonald.
Torquay, who struggled to get into the game initially spent the rest of the first half putting the pressure on Pools. Plenty of possession saw a resolute backline keep the hosts out as the two sides went into the break at 1-0.
The second half started in similar fashion, an end to end game with Pools defending well. On 50 minutes Evans had the real first opportunty of the second half for the Gulls but Killip was equal to it.
Hartlepool continued to counter attack and get bodies forward quickly and on 63 minutes Molyneux should have had his second of the game. A good ball into the box from Ferguson was met by the forward but he could only volley over.
Pools couldnt believe their luck with ten minutes to go. A corner from Featherstone was met by Johnson and cleared off the line and then only as far as substitute Holohan whose volley effort was also cleared off the line.
Last five minutes saw backs against the walls for Pools. Multiple long balls into the box saw Pools defend with their bodies on the line. With two minutes to go Torquay thought they had an equaliser when Evans turned in the box and shot but his effort was unbelievably kept out by Killip.
Pools held on for all three points as they climb up to second before Sutton's late kick off.
Yellow cards: Sterry, Featherstone, Johnson.
SUBS: Holohan for Molyneux, Bloomfield for Oates