HARTLEPOOL UNITED recorded a point in a 1-1 draw at Plymouth, in a game which sparked in the closing stages.

Leading 1-0 thanks to Nathan Thomas netting on 21 minutes, before conceding a penalty, having manager Craig Hignett sent to the stands and centre-half Scott Harrison dismissed in injury time.

Pools were in complete control in the first half as they bossed possession and kept the ball to frustrate the home side, who came into the game on the back of seven successive wins.

Thomas crossed from the left, putting the ball towards the far post and catching out goalkeeper Luke McCormick.

The lead was deserved and Pools grew in stature as the half went on, frustrating the home side.

Trevor Carson only had one thing to do in the opening half, pushing out a Graeme Carey free-kick.

The home side turned up the pressure as the game went on, but Pools were keeping them at arm’s length.

Pools had chances on the break, but failed to capitalise.

On 84 minutes, Toto Nsiala misjudged a ball in the area and kicked his man, referee Gavin Ward instantly awarding a penalty.

Jake Jervis put the spot kick away.

Hignett was fuming with the referee – who was losing the game in the latter stages as he booked Billy Paynter within seconds of the substitute being introduced – and was sent to the stands for his protests.

Liam Donnelly cleared a ball from inside his own six yard area and scooped the ball over the bar.

And Harrison, booked for an innocuous foul earlier, was shown a second yellow card by the hapless official.

PLYMOUTH ARGYLE (4-2-3-1): McCormick, Bulvitus, Bradley, Purrington; Fox, Songo’o (Smith 46); Carey, Tanner (Spencer 60), Slew (Jervis 46); Goodwillie.

Subs: Donaldson, Threkeld, Dorel (gk), Ijaha.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED (4-5-1): Carson; Donnelly, Harrison, Nsiala, Carroll; Alessandra, Featherstone, Laurent, Hawkins, Thomas (Deverdics 77); Amond (Paynter 80).

Subs: Bartlett (gk), Orrell, Fewster, Heardman.