Striker Marcus Richardson's winner 11 minutes from time condemned Torquay to defeat as Division Three leaders Hartlepool continued their march towards the title.

The battling Gulls shook the home side by taking the lead after seven minutes from their first attack of the match.

Jason Fowler's through-ball sent David Graham racing into the area on the right and he finished with a good low shot.

Hartlepool struggled to find their form and Torquay went close again when Lee Canoville had a header cleared off the line by Darrell Clarke and Kevin Hill's shot was inches off target.

Pools levelled after 54 minutes when Clarke latched onto a headed pass from Richardson to score from 12 yards.

Three minutes later the visitors were ahead again, Martin Gritton benefiting from a dubious offside decision to race away and score from 10 yards.

But Clarke levelled again from close range after 69 minutes and crossed from the right 10 minutes later for Richardson to score with a brave far-post header.

Hartlepool: Anthony Williams, Barron, Lee, Westwood, Robinson, Clarke, Widdrington, Sweeney, Humphreys, Eifion Williams, Richardson. Subs: Provett, Boyd, Henderson, Arnison, Easter.

Torquay: Dearden, Amankwaah, Canoville, Hazell, Woozley, Bedeau, Fowler, Russell, Hill, Gritton, Graham. Subs: Van Heusden, Hockley, Kuffour, Wills, Hankin.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).