HARTLEPOOL UNITED’S losing streak continued, as they lost at Exeter to a goal deep into stoppage time.

Pools looked good for a draw – they even missed a second-half penalty – until 70 seconds into added on time.

The Grecians rolled the ball into the feet of Clinton Morrison, and he set up full-back Christian Ribeiro to hit a low shot around keeper Adam Bartlett and into the far side of the net.

Pools were utterly dejected at the goal and, after starting the season with four successive wins in all competitions, they have now been beaten six times in a row.

After the defence was criticised by boss Ronnie Moore after last week’s defeat at Wycombe, this time they defended well and were very organised at the back.

Pools were awarded a penalty on 69 minutes, when Nicky Featherstone was felled in the area and Rakish Bingham’s spot kick was saved by keeper Bobby Olejnik, who dived low to his left to keep out the weak spot kick.

In the first-half, Matthew Bates, impressive in midfield, opened up the visiting defence, but opted to pass instead of shoot.

Bingham drove a low shot across goal when played in by Michael Woods and, while keeper Adam Bartlett saved well to keep out a Jamie McAllister header, a point was on the cards until Ribeiro rolled in.

EXETER CITY: Olejnik; Ribeiro, Brown, Tillson, McAllister; Harley, Noble, Oakley (Grant 75); Wheeler, Nichols (Morrison 61), Nicholls (Holmes 66). Subs: Pym (gk), Woodman, McCready.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Bartlett; Halliday, Harrison, Boyce, Jones; Featherstone, Bates, Woods; Oates, Bingham, Carroll. Subs: Worley, Walker, Oyenuga, Fenwick, Hawkins, Smith, Denton (gk)

Referee: Andy Woolmer (Northampton)

Bookings: Woods (62, foul)