Three goals in four minutes settled the game as battling Exeter made life difficult for table-topping Hartlepool at Victoria Park.

The home side had the vast majority of possession in a one-sided affair, but with top scorer Eifion Williams suspended they lacked firepower up front until a late flourish.

Giant striker Marcus Richardson brought a brilliant save from Kevin Miller early on, but Hartlepool had little else to show for their domination.

But on 79 minutes Richie Humphreys' shot found the net after taking a wicked deflection.

Soon afterwards, Adam Boyd's glancing header made it 2-0.

But Exeter were not finished and reduced their deficit with seven minutes left when substitute Justin Walker scored from the penalty spot.

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

Exeter: Miller, Virgo, Gaia, Whitbread, Hiley, Pettefer, Thomas, Cronin, Power, Devine, Coppinger. Subs: Fraser, Walker, Moor, Roscoe, McConnell.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire)