Hartlepool United 2 Exeter City 0. Saturday 3 September 2011.

Ref: Scott Mathieson

Att: 5152 with 127 City fans.

BBC Match Report –

Hartlepool extended their unbeaten start to the season with a comfortable win over Exeter.

The visitors improved after the interval and Pools keeper Scott Flinders did well to turn over Daniel Nardiello's well-struck effort.

The hosts sealed their second win of the season when Nathan Luscombe swept in Andy Monkhouse's cross.

VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

Hartlepool United first-team coach Mick Wadsworth told BBC Tees:

"The victory was all important, and I think it's a game where we ground out a win.

"We had to be on our toes, Stephen Wright slipped in effortlessly and the back four were terrific.

"He knows the players, he's been with us for a while while he tried to find employment and I find it remarkable that he was available, he's a terrific lad and very popular."

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon:

"We were disappointed to give a goal away so early, the game built from there really.

"In the first half Hartlepool's game was more prevalent than ours which meant that they had the upper hand.

"We certainly gave it a better go in the second half, it was a calmer affair and I think we had more possession but it was to no avail."