Forest Green Rovers’ first-half demolition job on Hartlepool saw Rob Edwards’ side maintain their unbeaten run on the road.
Rovers took the lead when a near-post corner from Ben Stevenson was nodded in from close range by Jordan Moore-Taylor.
Hot-shot striker Matty Stevens was then played in just before the half-hour mark by the outstanding Kane Wilson and when his shot came back off the bar, alert skipper Jamille Matt turned in the free ball.
Pictures: Pro Sports Images
Rovers grabbed a deserved third before the break as Stevens had time to turn and fire in low off the bar for his 13th goal of the season.
Hartlepool claimed scant consolation after 80 minutes as Nicky Featherstone scored from the spot after Joe Grey was adjudged to have been pulled down by Dom Bernard.
The home side then had Jamie Sterry sent off for violent conduct during a melee after 88 minutes – pushing Moore-Taylor to the ground.
Earlier, Rovers were indebted to an eye-catching midfield performance from Sadou Diallo who was afforded a start ahead of Regan Hendry, with Ebou Adams returning from international duty and taking his place on the bench.
It’s an immediate return to action on Tuesday evening when Rovers welcome Mark Cooper’s Barrow to the Fully Charged New Lawn, 7.45pm.
