Hartlepool United claim valuable win away at Exeter City

Struggling Hartlepool have secured three valuable points after seeing off Exeter City 2-1 in this afternoon's League Two clash at St James' Park.

After some tentative probings from both sides in the early stages of the game, Grecians goalkeeper Christy Pym was forced to save a Dan Jones shot from long range after 11 minutes played.

Moments later, on-loan Sunderland defender Scott Harrison slammed a close-range header against the Exeter bar, with the rebound efficiently blocked by the hosts' back line.

The chances kept coming in the first half, with Matt Grimes's 30-yard effort drawing a good save from Scott Flinders and Jimmy Keohane blasting a volley over.

Both teams were even at the break, but it didn't take long for the visitors to make the breakthrough, as ex-Chelsea youngster Michael Woods connected with a Lewis Hawkins cross to stroke home four minutes after the restart.

Things would get even better for Hartlepool, the North-East outfit doubling their lead in the 66th minute through Charlie Wyke.

Exeter pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go when Christian Ribeiro poached a free kick rebound to fire home and give his side some hope.

However, the Pools hung on to secure a very valuable win.