Keith Curle's side impressed on a bitterly cold evening at the Broadfield Stadium to come away with three significant points to, temporarily, move them out of the League Two relegation zone ahead of the weekend fixtures.
Walsall loanee Rollin Menayese scored his first goal for the club when converting well from Callum Cooke’s corner just after the hour.
And Cooke was on point again 10 minutes from time when his delivery from the right was turned in by Reds defender Travis Johnson to ensure a first away win of the season for Curle’s side.
Having been humbled at home by Stockport County last time out, Hartlepool controlled the majority of the game as they claimed a third league win of the season.
And here is how Pools were rated on a pleasing night at the Broadfield Stadium:
. Rollin Menayese of Hartlepool United celebrates victory during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Crawley Town and Hartlepool United at Broadfield Stadium, Crawley on Friday 9th December 2022. (Credit: Tom West | MI News)
Rollin Menayese scored his first goal for Hartlepool United in the win over Crawley Town. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
. Ben Killip - 7
Largely untroubled all night. Came and gathered one or two crosses well. Alert to deny Tilley late in the second half. Will be delighted to get a clean sheet. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
. Jamie Sterry - 9
Superb return to the side after a lengthy lay off and, as Keith Curle said, looked as though he’d never been away. Calm and composed defensively. Had the measure of whoever he was up against whether it be Tsaroulla, Balagizi or Davis. A good outlet going forward. Has been a huge miss. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
. Rollin Menayese - 9
Solid as a rock defensively with a number of big clearances. Set the tone when bumping Telford off the ball early in the first half. Brilliant header to open the scoring. Big part of earning a clean sheet. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
5. David Ferguson - 8
Completed the three centre-backs well. Played a number of progressive passes into the midfield rather than safe options at times and was pretty assured defensively. Much more like it. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
6. Reghan Tumilty - 8
Full credit to him going over to the left and putting in the shift he did. Up and down all night. Couple of excellent deliveries in the first half and was desperately unlucky not to open the scoring with header in the second. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
7. Nicky Featherstone - 8
Helped Pools really set the tone in the first half showing for the ball and keeping them on the front foot in possession in the Crawley half. Particularly notable clearance from a free kick in the first half which resulted in him rallying his teammates. Strong display from the skipper. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West
8. Mohamad Sylla - 7
Did a good job covering over to the right when Crawley were in possession. Put his foot in - which we didn’t see a lot of from the entire Pools midfield against Stockport. Helped the defence well with one or two clearances. Did not allow Crawley to run the midfield. Solid. (Credit: Tom West | MI News) Photo: Tom West