Ten-man Pools earn a point on the road as it finishes goalless at St James’ Park.
A strong first half from Pools saw Graeme Lee’s side claim the better of the chances and should have been at least a goal to the good at half time.
The first big chance of the game came after 10 minutes as Shelton’s volley on the edge of the area was sweetly struck and tipped over the bar by Dawson.
Pools continued to control the game and frustrate the hosts and just ten minutes later, Ferguson also had an effort on the edge of the area but that was well blocked by Stubbs.
Pools’ best chance of the first half came after 33 minutes. Debutant, Omar Bogle rose the highest from the Sterry cross and headed just over. Head in hands from our new number seven as he knew that was a big opportunity.
Just one minute before HT, Ferguson picked up the ball on the left hand side, he whipped a delicious cross across the box and Molyneux, who threw himself towards the ball couldn’t connect properly to get the shot on target.
Exeter started the second half with all the momentum but Pools continued to look threatening. The game was flipped on it’s head as on 52 minutes, Feathertstone made a late challenge that was deemed dangerous by the referee and the skipper was given a red card.
The final half hour saw Exeter bring wave after wave of attacks on the Pools defence. Huge blocks from Liddle and plenty of defensive headers from Odusina and Byrne earned Pools a point on the road. The hosts never created any clear cut chances and Graeme Lee’s side can now look ahead to next week’s FA Cup at Crystal Palace.
Pools: Killip, Sterry, Byrne, Liddle, Odusina, Ferguson, Featherstone, Shelton, Crawford, Molyneux (Fletcher), Bogle (Grey)
Subs: Boyes, Hull, Ogle, Holohan, Fletcher, Grey, Cullen
Yellow: Ferguson
Red: Featherstone