Interim manager Keith Curle called upon Umerah from the bench with little under 30 minutes remaining with Hartlepool 2-0 down at the One Call Stadium.
Quickfire goals from George Lapslie and Riley Harbottle inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half gave Curle’s side a mountain to climb.
But, having made the bold decision to leave Umerah out of his starting XI, Curle turned to the 25-year-old who gave the perfect response to being left out.
Umerah gave Pools a lifeline with almost his first touch of the game when capitalising on Harbottle’s loose back-pass to round Christy Pym and find the far corner.
And Umerah would celebrate his fifth goal for Pools a minute from time when latching onto Alex Lacey’s direct ball to slide beyond Pym and earn an unlikely point.
And here is how Pools were rated.

. Wes McDonald of Hartlepool United congratulates Josh Umerah after he pulled a goal back during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Mansfield Town and Hartlepool United at the One Call Stadium, Mansfield on Friday 30th September 2022. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News)
Josh Umerah starred from the bench to help Hartlepool United earn a point at Mansfield Town. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher

. Ben Killip - 8
Couple of strong saves in the first half before a sublime point blank stop to deny Lapslie a second. Needed more help from his defenders when trying to punch away the second but another fine performance nevertheless. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher

. Euan Murray - 5
Played a slightly different role at right-back. Difficult up against a tough customer in McLaughlin. Mansfield enjoyed success down both flanks and his instinct to drift inside was a factor but he hung in there despite having little protection from in front of him. Unlucky with an excellent strike in the first half which hit the post. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher

. Rollin Menayese - 6
Got to grips with Akins quite well for the most part but an untimely tangle with the striker caused him to miss the cross which led to the opener. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West

. Alex Lacey - 7
The best of the Pools defence on the night with a couple important blocks and clearances and dealt with Akins. His ball set Umerah away for the equaliser. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps

1. Ben Killip - 8
Couple of strong saves in the first half before a sublime point blank stop to deny Lapslie a second. Needed more help from his defenders when trying to punch away the second but another fine performance nevertheless. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher

2. Euan Murray - 5
Played a slightly different role at right-back. Difficult up against a tough customer in McLaughlin. Mansfield enjoyed success down both flanks and his instinct to drift inside was a factor but he hung in there despite having little protection from in front of him. Unlucky with an excellent strike in the first half which hit the post. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher

3. Rollin Menayese - 6
Got to grips with Akins quite well for the most part but an untimely tangle with the striker caused him to miss the cross which led to the opener. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West

4. Alex Lacey - 7
The best of the Pools defence on the night with a couple important blocks and clearances and dealt with Akins. His ball set Umerah away for the equaliser. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps