Pools surrendered their advantage given to them in stunning style by Emmanuel Dieseruvwe after the striker scored his ninth goal of the season with an overhead kick to give John Askey’s side a second half lead.
But as the game moved into the final 10 minutes, Pools hit the self-destruct button as the Shots scored twice within seconds of one another.
Substitute Kwame Thomas slid in to convert a cross from the left before immediately from the kick-off, Aldershot won back possession to send Josh Stokes racing clear on goal and he made no mistake, leaving Pools shell-shocked.
It’s a result which sees Hartlepool tumble out of the play-off places and down to 11th in the National League table ahead of a quick turnaround to face Halifax in the week.
And here is how Pools fared on a stunning afternoon at the EBB Stadium:
5. Zak Johnson - 6
Forced off early with an injury which came on the only play Barham got the better of him. Otherwise did okay up against him. Photo: Frank Reid
6. David Ferguson - 6
Helped out Johnson quite well in the first half and picked his moments to go forward well after the break. Unlucky when putting in a good low cross late on in search of an equaliser. Photo: Frank Reid
7. Nicky Featherstone - 6
Back to himself in possession and put in some really good set piece deliveries including for the goal. Unfortunate when beating his man to get to the byline not to see a better reward. (Photo: Chris Donnelly | MI News) Photo: Chris Donnelly
8. Tom Crawford - 6
Game passed him by at times in the first half but did show some more forward thinking for Pools after last week’s side-to-side possession. Played a lovely ball into Grey in the second half, who might have done better, and was largely more involved with a couple of decent runs into the channel after a bit of a tussle with Widdrington. Photo: Frank Reid