It was in truth a scrappy game with neither side frequently testing their opposite goalkeeper but Hawkes’ brilliant dinked finish into the top left hand corner was a moment of magic and was good enough to see the home side edge out their Football League opposition.
Exeter were reduced to 10-men late on as Jack Sparkes was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Gime Toure.
The win sees Pools face Oxford United away in the third round in the new year.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see Andrew Hall’s player ratings from the match...
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Gus Mafuta in possession against Exeter City. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: FRANK REID
. Ben Killip - 8
Made a few smart saves and confident claims when required but wasn't often troubled by the visiting attack. First clean sheet in eight matches! | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Mark Kitching - 8
A much improved defensive display from Saturday's showing. Made some intelligent runs and offered outlet throughout the match though could maybe have done better with a chance at the back post in the first half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Fraser Kerr - 7
Came up with a few smart interceptions but not really stretched at any point by Exeter attack. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Paul Paxford
. Michael Raynes - 8
Similar to his partner dealt well with what little Exeter threw at him and made some important headed clearances when the visitors pushed to get back into the game. Made one excellent clearance from inside his own six yard box early in the second half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Paul Paxford
1. Ben Killip - 8
Made a few smart saves and confident claims when required but wasn't often troubled by the visiting attack. First clean sheet in eight matches! | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
2. Mark Kitching - 8
A much improved defensive display from Saturday's showing. Made some intelligent runs and offered outlet throughout the match though could maybe have done better with a chance at the back post in the first half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. Fraser Kerr - 7
Came up with a few smart interceptions but not really stretched at any point by Exeter attack. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Paul Paxford
4. Michael Raynes - 8
Similar to his partner dealt well with what little Exeter threw at him and made some important headed clearances when the visitors pushed to get back into the game. Made one excellent clearance from inside his own six yard box early in the second half. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Paul Paxford