Pools were forced to settle for a point at Eastleigh's Silverlake Stadium after a late penalty decision on Non-League Day.
Kevin Phillips' side made their longest trip of the season naming two changes to the starting line-up. Joe Grey and Terrell Agyemang entered the fray, in replace of Brennan Dickenson and Chay Cooper.
And Pools got off to a great start as the returning Grey found the back of the net on 20 minutes. It was a great team move, which started all the way from keeper Pete Jameson, and resulted in Agyemang crossing into Grey to slot home.
Eastleigh had their chance a few minutes later as Chris Maguire stood over a free-kick, though his effort dipped narrowly past the post.
As the heavens opened on the Silverlake Stadium, chances were hard to come by for the rest of the first half. Callum Cooke did get a shot off from distance late on, but the Eastleigh keeper got down well.
Agyemang was a lively customer on the left flank, and carved out a promising opening in the 54th minute however Cooke fizzed his strike wide.
Eastleigh grew into the game as Paul McCallum directed a header at Jameson, while Enzio Boldewijn hit the side netting from a tight angle.
And their equaliser came on 78 minutes as the referee called for handball against Nicky Featherstone. Maguire stepped forward and slotted the penalty just out of Jameson's reach into the bottom left corner.
It was end-to-end in the remaining stages. Soloman Nwabuokei had the best chance for Eastleigh, though Jameson got down to save his strike at close-range.
With a point added to the tally, Pools now turn their focus to Tuesday's trip to Gateshead.
Pools: Jameson, Lacey (Onariase 59), Waterfall, Parkes, Ferguson, Featherstone, Crawford, Grey, Cooke (Cooper 90), Agyemang (Stephenson 84), Dieseruvwe
Subs (not used): Dixon, Duffus
Goals: Grey (20)
