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:
13. Joe Grey - 5
Thankless task coming on at 4-0 down. Little bit of energy but the game had well gone by then for him to make an impact. (Credit: John Cripps | MI News) Photo: John Cripps
14. Wes McDonald - 5
Similar to Grey. No chance of making an impact. (Credit: Mark Fletcher | MI News) Photo: Mark Fletcher