THERE was, to a certain extent, redemption for Hartlepool United. After ending last season with a 5-0 humbling at Plymouth, they were so close to showing what they really are capable of.

Their most complete performance of the season was about to be rewarded with a win at the League Two leaders, who were seeking an eighth successive victory.

As the clock ticked down, the needless influence of referee Gavin Ward increased, and Pools came away with tempers frayed, frustration to the fore and a point when it should have been three.

“We are so close to the complete package and if we hold on for the win here it’s one of the best performances under the gaffer since he came in,’’ reflected Padraig Amond.

“Morecambe last season, the lads talk about that quite a bit, but when you come to Plymouth, who have won seven in a row and disappointed not to win it shows what we are all about.

“Stevenage was a low, everyone was disappointed, we let the club down. This was a redemption for us, and the lads came here at the end of last season and it didn’t go great.

“I wasn’t here then but I think we have turned the corner and we are so close to a complete performance – that we are so close is a good thing as it shows what we are capable of doing and we want to go on a good run and push up the table where we should be.’’

Few teams will go to Home Park and dominate like Pools did. Plenty of teams will no doubt be frustrated by refereeing decisions this season.

First-half especially and Pools controlled the ball, moving it around for fun with a willingness and a vibrancy across the park.

At one point they strung over 40 passes together, from back to front, left to right, forwards and backwards, leaving the home side chasing shadows.

It was controlled and patient, but it’s doubtful an expectant home crowd would appreciate the merits of playing keep ball in the manner Pools did.

The only disappointment was that Pools only had one goal to their name. Nathan Thomas bent over a cross from the left, curled it over the head of keeper Luke McCormick and into the net.

Josh Laurent should have scored rather than fire over from 16 yards, but his performance again caught the eye with athleticism and enthusiasm to the fore.

With only one man up front, Pools relied on runners from deep and the system and gameplan worked. Argyle were made to look average.

On the break, with Laurent, Lewis Alessandra and Nathan Thomas running beyond Amond, Pools had options, but were let down by some hesitation in and around the penalty area.

Pools’ keeper Trevor Carson and his defenders were in control and rarely over stretched by the home forwards.

If only the referee fell into the same category.

Pedantic throughout, Ward’s influence grew in the closing stages.

Pools’ left-back Jake Carroll was stamped on, but Plymouth escaped without a word. When Nicky Deverdics went into a challenge, it appeared Ward held back from showing red and instead gave a yellow.

Billy Paynter replaced Amond, and within seconds was booked for a foul and then appeared set for a red as Ward reached for his other pocket before opting against it.

As the ball bounced in the area – something a defender should not allow to happen – there was no doubt Ward was willing to award a penalty as soon as Toto Nsiala cleared first the ball and then connected with his man.

Pools were enraged, Craig Hignett let his feelings known and was sent to the stands by Ward.

He wasn’t finished there and couldn’t get a second yellow card out quick enough to send off Scott Harrison in the first of six minutes of added on time.

Amond admitted: “I can’t say a lot about the officials because you can’t do that these days without getting in trouble, but the fact we are stood here talking about the referee’s performance says a lot.

“I’d just come off before the penalty came so I was pitchside. The ball has bounced and it probably shouldn’t be allowed to bounce, but I felt Toto clearly kicked the ball away – I may be wrong but that’s how it seemed to me.

“The boys on the pitch said at the time that their players were asking how he’s given it so that’s disappointing from our point of view.

“We should have won this and be going into the Luton game after beating the league leaders who have won seven in a row.’’