Keith Curle’s side looked on course to secure a third straight win after Jack Hamilton headed his first league goal for the club to give Pools a first half lead.
But Nigel Clough’s Stags responded in the second half as Rhys Oates fired an early equaliser before Ollie Hawkins completed the turnaround on the hour to leave Pools three points above the bottom two.
And here is how Pools were rated in defeat:
. Hartlepool United's Jack Hamilton celebrates his goal during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Hartlepool United and Mansfield Town at Victoria Park, Hartlepool on Thursday 29th December 2022. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)
Jack Hamilton scored his first league goal for Hartlepool United. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
. Ben Killip - 6
Fumbled an early cross which allowed Clarke an effort at goal in the first half. Well beaten by emphatic Oates strike. Saved well to deny Swan late on but didn't have a great deal to do in front of him. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Jamie Sterry - 6
Did really well to win the corner which gave Pools the lead and continued his strong return to the side in the first half. Forced off injured midway through the second - hopefully not a serious one. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
. Rollin Menayese - 5
Got away with one in the first half when misjudging a cross to Swan but made amends with a couple of decent blocks. Dragged out for Mansfield second when missing a tackle on Swan. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
. Mark Shelton - 6
Asked to do a job at centre-back and did it. Was unorthodox at times but he typified the ‘anywhere will do’ mantra which was fine. Pools struggled when he moved back into midfield. Allowed Hawkins to get the better of him for Oates goal. (Credit: Jon Bromley | MI News) Photo: Jon Bromley
5. David Ferguson - 5
Two big blocks in the first half - one to make amends from his own error. Akins gave him a test in the first half. Shift to a back four left him a little exposed after the break. Didn't get close enough to Oates for equaliser. (Credit: Mike Morese | MI News) Photo: Mike Morese
6. Reghan Tumilty - 6
Akins caused him trouble at times in the first half but linked well with Cooke and Sylla on the left. Good low cross should have been turned in by somebody in the first half. Tired in the second and struggled to keep pace with Mansfield. Missed lunge on Lapslie for Hawkins winner. (Credit: Mike Morese | MI News) Photo: Mike Morese
7. Nicky Featherstone - 6
Seemed a harsh booking as frustration boiled over in the closing stages. Kept possession well in the first half but part of a midfield which left a little bit too much space for Lapslie in the second half. Reacted just too late to deny Hawkins. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
8. Mohamad Sylla - 7
Was brilliant in the first half - carrying on from where he left off at Rochdale. Lovely skill to beat two men on the left and cross for Sterry. Mansfield got to grips with him more after the break. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver