U’s captain Craig Eastmond was shown two yellow cards with his side 2-0 up at the Suit Direct Stadium before Hartlepool staged a dramatic comeback.
David Ajiboye gave Matt Gray’s side the lead before Lee Angol doubled their advantage.
Sutton were in control at that point until Eastmond was shown a second yellow and dismissed.
Hartlepool got one back with an excellent free kick from deadline day signing Dan Kemp who curled beyond the outstretched Jack Rose from 25-yards.
And Hartlepool quickly found themselves on level terms when Dan Dodds spectacularly found the far corner with a dipping effort when capitalising on a loose clearance from the away side.
But Pools were unable to make their man advantage count in the second half as they had to settle for a draw.
And here is how Pools were rated:
9. Dan Kemp - 8
Hartlepool couldn’t get him involved in the first 30 minutes - so much so he had to move over to the opposite side. Drew the foul for Eastmond’s red and a wonderful free kick to get Pools back in the game. Close with another free kick in the second half and played a fine ball into Jennings who might have done better. (Photo: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
10. Connor Jennings - 6
Didn’t get much of a sight of goal in the first half. Tough up against some physical centre-backs. Moved Sutton around more when they went down to 10. Went close with a couple of chances inside the area. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News ) Photo: Mark Fletcher
11. Josh Umerah - 6
Gave as good as he got in terms of the physical battle but little to go at in front of goal which led to him trying to get a shot away from anywhere at times. One acrobatic attempt late on. Solid shift nevertheless. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
12. Taylor Foran - 6
Replaced Sterry and allowed Pools to revert to a back four. Did okay with minimal fuss in the main. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News ) Photo: Mark Fletcher