Hartlepool were picked apart by a slick Rochdale side in the opening 45 minutes as goals from Cian Hayes, Jimmy Keohane and Ryan East gave the away side an insurmountable lead despite Nicky Featherstone offering John Askey’s side hope deep into first half stoppage time.
Hayes latched onto a route one ball from goalkeeper Louie Moulden to poke by the returning Joel Dixon before Keohane met Kairo Mitchell’s flick on to double the lead.
And the away side pretty much had the game wrapped up when East went unchallenged towards the edge of the area before beating Dixon from distance.
Featherstone gave Pools something of a lifeline with the final kick of the first half with a well-taken goal to reduce the deficit.
But despite a much-improved second half display, with Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scoring his 11th goal of the season in the final five minutes, Pools had given themselves too much to do and were unable to claim an unlikely point as they dropped into the bottom half of the National League table.
And here is how Pools were rated after a third straight defeat:
5. Joe Mattock - 3
Might feel he should have done better with the long ball forward for the opening goal and just wasn’t able to settle from that point. Lack of cohesion between himself, Dolan and Johnson and struggled to deal with Henderson and Mitchell. Missed a decent opportunity when heading over at the back post. Did make a very good last ditch tackle on Henderson late on. Photo: Frank Reid
6. David Ferguson - 5
Struggled immensely like the rest in the first half as he was beaten too easily by Oduroh on occasion, with Hayes also giving him a difficult afternoon. His initial cross which led to Featherstone’s goal and he was much more of a threat after the break. Linked well with Featherstone for Dieseruvwe’s late chance. Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022
7. Nicky Featherstone - 7
Was moved around into a role we don’t often see of him on the right but applied himself well. Kind of grabbed things by the scruff of the neck and at least showed a little bit of fight. Took his goal really well and could see the emotion in his celebration on what could be his final appearance. Linked well with Ferguson in the second half. Photo: Frank Reid
8. Tom Crawford - 5
Was too passive in the first half as Rochdale completely missed out the Hartlepool midfield. Attempted a strike from distance borne out of frutrastion before bringing a first decent save from Moulden. Did improve after the break with a couple of driving runs at the Rochdale defence and was unlucky with a well-struck free kick. Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022