Dave Challinor’s return to the club ended in yet more misery for Pools who remain bottom of League Two having been thrashed 5-0 by Stockport.
Kyle Wootton scored twice inside the opening 20 minutes to give the away side a strong early advantage – the first capitalising on a mistake by Reghan Tumilty to lift over the returning Ben Killip before then converting from close range four minutes later.
Keith Curle’s side barely laid a glove on the Hatters who strolled to all three points and added something of a statement to the scoreline with three second half strikes.
Paddy Madden headed in from a corner on the hour before substitute Callum Camps added a fourth four minutes later.
But Hartlepool’s misery was not over there as Will Collar made it five in the closing stages with a well-placed finish.
And here is how Pools were rated on a harrowing afternoon:
9. Christopher Missilou - 3
Was handed another run in the No.10 role after an encouraging display against Harrogate but lacked the tenacity we saw there. Ineffective aside from one header in front of Umerah which went wide. Subbed at the break. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
10. Callum Cooke - 4
Another who arrived off the back of a strong performance a week ago but looked way off those levels. Struggled to get on the ball in any real dangerous areas despite seeing plenty of it. One well timed run into the box with a poor cross. Excellent ball for Hastie who should have scored. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
11. Josh Umerah - 4
Fighting a bit of a losing battle up front. Was well marshalled by the Stockport defence. Bit of a mix-up with Missilou for a header in the first half. Close to getting on the end of Ferguson’s cross early in the second. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher
12. Jack Hamilton - 5
Brought on at half-time but made little impact. Much of the play was in the Hartlepool half in the second 45. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher