Pools took a surprise early lead against the League One outfit as Mark Kitching pounced on a defensive error to net his second goal of the season.
The visitors held on to their lead until the 52nd minute when Rob Hall curled in an equaliser. Shandon Baptiste then put the hosts ahead before Tarique Fosu and a Matty Taylor penalty added some gloss to the scoreline late on.
Scroll down and click through the pages to see our Pools player ratings from the match...
9. Gavan Holohan - 7
Kept busy and was tenaciously pressuring Oxford all afternoon to win possession back on numerous occasions. Showed great endeavour. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Frank Reid
10. Ryan Donaldson - 6
Played as a right-wing back and was kept busy throughout the afternoon and often stood up well to the challenge. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
11. Nicke Kabamba - 5
Had a difficult job up front on his own. Didn’t hold the ball up as well as Pools would have liked when he had the opportunity but still contributed with some important defensive headers and blocks. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher
12. Gime Toure (on for Kabamba 65) - 6
Came on with the score level but didn’t get his first touch until Pools trailed. Provided something different but didn’t have the desired impact. | Other 3rd Party Photo: Mark Fletcher