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
9. Callum Cooke - 6
Another excellent delivery for Hamilton goal. Put himself about plenty before frustration got the better of him a little. Booked for raising his hands on Quinn. Might have done a little better when volleying over. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
10. Josh Umerah - 6
Desperately unlucky not to get more from the referee. Seemed to be fighting a losing battle on that front. Close when firing into the side netting. Subbed again. (Credit: Mike Morese | MI News) Photo: Mike Morese
11. Jack Hamilton- 7
Strong header to open the scoring from Cooke’s corner. Won plenty in the air despite being up against Hawkins. Close to a second after the break but wasn’t as involved in the second half. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News) Photo: Michael Driver
12. Wes McDonald - 6
Showed flashes, particularly when dancing his way into the box in the closing stages, but lacked end product. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher