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.
9. Callum Cooke - 7
Was probably Hartlepool’s busiest player in the first half in trying to make things happen after going behind. Sometimes it came off, sometimes it didn’t. Might have done better after super exchanges with Wallace and Grey to create an opening. Kept going, though, and got his goal late in the game. Lovely finish into the corner. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
10. Joe Grey - 6
Came to life in the second half and knitted Pools together well in the final third. Was involved in the third and teed up Stephenson for the fifth. Solid. Photo: FRANK REID
11. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe - 8
It’s almost a surprise when he doesn’t score this season. Had one chalked off in what was otherwise a low-key first half but was clinical after the break. Two astute finishes and unlucky when hitting the bar. A match-winner. Photo: FRANK REID
12. Louis Stephenson - NA
Came on for stoppage time and enjoyed a wonderful moment when adding a fifth for Hartlepool with a brilliant first-time finish. Unfortunate not to get an assist to his name soon after as well. One to remember. Photo: Frank Reid