Josh Umerah’s first-half strike had given Pools a deserved lead at the break following a great 45 minutes of football.
The hosts were largely in control of proceedings, so much so that Gary McSheffrey made a double change at the break to try and regain a footing in the game.
And that worked for Rovers who equalised through Bobby Faulkner midway through the second-half after Pools failed to deal with a teasing corner.
It looked like Hartlepool’s chance of a first win of the season had slipped through their fingers - that was until Wes McDonald’s fancy footwork created an opening before he fired past Jonathan Mitchell to give Pools a very, very late winner.
Here is our Hartlepool United player ratings from their 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers:
1. Ben Killip - 7
Did well to stay alert and deny Molyneux just before the break. Could do very little about Doncaster’s equaliser. Photo: Mark Fletcher
2. Euan Murray - 7
Had to do a lot of defending behind Oduor who was afforded a more attacking role but did so solidly throughout. Photo: Mark Fletcher
3. Rollin Menayese - 8
Played in the heart of the defence and headed everything that came during the whole 90 minutes. Photo: Mark Fletcher
4. Alex Lacey - 7
Defended well at the back, particularly against Molyneux who was a constant threat for Rovers. Photo: Mark Fletcher