John Askey’s side avoided a potential scare after falling behind to Josh Quarless’ third minute free kick before a second half fightback saw Pools take charge and run away with things against the Northern Premier League West side.
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe levelled the scores inside seven minutes of the restart before Quarless was shown a red card which handed the initiative to Pools.
And they wasted little time in making that count as Nicky Featherstone looped a fine header over goalkeeper Jack Atkinson to give Askey’s side the lead before Dieseruvwe doubled his tally with a smart finish 15 minutes from time.
But there was still time for Hartlepool to add a bit of distance to the scoreline as Callum Cooke scored a clinical fourth in stoppage time before academy star Louis Stephenson enjoyed a memorable moment when adding a fifth in the final embers of the game.
The home side were reduced to nine men as captain Danny Mitchley was dismissed as Pools moved into the fourth round of the FA Trophy.
And here is how Askey’s side rated on Merseyside.
5. Jake Hastie - 6
Took a little while to get into the game before one or two of his crosses caused problems later in the first half. Was a threat after the break. Great cross for Featherstone to give Hartlepool the lead. Photo: FRANK REID
6. Kieran Wallace - 6
Brought down Mitchley for the free kick which led to the opening goal. Led to him being a little wayward in the early exchanges before he steadied and contributed quite well to Hartlepool moving forward down the left. Involved in an altercation at the end of the game which led to Mitchley’s red card. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
7. Nicky Featherstone - 8
Found himself in some excellent positions to test Atkinson in the City of Liverpool goal. Good battle between them throughout the game before he finally got the better of him with a terrific header. Third goal since his return and another good display in helping Pools tick over in midfield. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
8. David Ferguson - 7
A little out of sync with Cooke on occasion in the first half but was Hartlepool’s key man in the second. Everything seemed to come down his side. On the money with a couple of assists after being on the receiving end of a nasty challenge early in the second half. Photo: FRANK REID