Pools battle back to earn Exeter replay

Posted Monday, December 02, 2019 by PA

National League side Hartlepool fought back from two goals down to salvage a 2-2 draw at Sky Bet League Two opponents Exeter and keep their FA Cup dream alive.

Exeter dominated the first half and took the lead with a fine goal after 21 minutes. Randell Williams, Ben Seymour and Nigel Atangana combined for Ryan Bowman to thump a close-range header past Ben Killip.

Atangana then made it 2-0 eight minutes later when a Pierce Sweeney header was kept out by Killip, but the Frenchman was on hand to tidy up on the line.

Michael Raynes headed narrowly wide at the start of the second half as Hartlepool came out fighting, and Luke James was off target from distance as the away side made all the running.

That said, Exeter were looking comfortable defensively until Nicky Featherstone reduced the arrears in the 73rd minute with a brilliant strike from 25 yards that flew into the top corner to set up a grandstand finish.

Pools then equalised after 79 minutes when Exeter goalkeeper Jonny Maxted allowed a shot to slip through his fingers and hit the post, allowing Nicke Kabamba to tap in the rebound and earn his side a deserved replay at Victoria Park.