AS MUCH as Hartlepool United needed it, so too did Jack Compton.

One win from five League Two games for Pools, their main asset departed and plenty of rumblings of discontent.

Compton hasn’t started the season well either, unhappy with his limited role in the side.

But the left winger stood up to the task as much as the rest of his team-mates as they inflicted a first defeat of the season on Shrewsbury.

From the first minute Compton was a danger. Switched on and direct, the last time he stood out was when he changed the game – and saved Pools’ season – against Morecambe.

And, while he didn’t score this time, he set both goals up.

Compton is your archetypical winger. Quick, tricky and positive in the same manner he can be sluggish, surly and ineffective.

On his day he can be unplayable. As he was on this occasion.

“Anyone who plays in a forward role, consistency is nigh-on impossible – you get highs and lows. Jack is like that,’’ reflected Colin Cooper.

“He feels wanted now as I picked him and I laid him a challenge to supply some ammunition and be creative, get crosses in. He was positive, second half especially. He grew into it and created goals – hats off, he has a lot to offer.

“But consistency for forwards is a big thing. Show that, it’s so important.’’

Pools can flourish and prosper without Luke James. On days like this, Peterborough’s new forward won’t be remembered. It’s when things go wrong his exit, and manner of his departure, will become an issue.

James did bring plenty of pace to the side, but on this occasion Pools had three flying machines in Compton, Ryan Brobbel and Jonathan Franks.

The latter wants to play up front, in a direct role through the middle rather than wide. Preferred to Marlon Harewood on Saturday, Franks caused plenty of problems in tandem with Charlie Wyke.

Shrewsbury’s manager admitted his back three – which sharp changed to a back four amid constant floundering – couldn’t handle the strikers.

It made a welcome change for Pools to put the opposition on the back foot from the off and, by the time Wyke scored on five minutes, the striker had already put one effort wide.

His goal came when Compton had space down the left, and played in Wyke who was free to roll low past former Middlesbrough compatriot Jayson Leutwiler.

Cheltenham played the same 3-5-2 formation last game against Pools and their three-man central midfield was busy and all over Pools.

This time Bradley Walker and Tommy Miller were the winners. Walker’s reward for his performance was a goal, while Miller relished the chance to play a bit further forward and get about the pitch.

Perhaps there’s no need for someone to sit in deep and invite pressure on like Pools have in recent seasons with Simon Walton acting as a surrogate centre-half at times.

Miller got about the Shrews midfielders, with Matthew Bates and Scott Harrison dominant in central defence behind him.

Walker’s goal came, to his credit, a minute after he was wrongly booked for a perfectly-timed tackle.

As Pools won possession, they broke away quickly. Compton got the ball out wide, again rolled the ball into the area from the left and Walker made up the ground from halfway to knock in from close range.

“The second goal was great counter-attacking after nicking it on the halfway line. His lung-bursting run to the box makes it,’’ said Cooper.

“I’ve seen – and this is no comparison at all even though he does look like him a bit – a Real Madrid counter attack when Cristiano Ronaldo sprints, and I mean sprints, from box to box in just over ten seconds.

“I’d like to see people  - and I’m not saying he’s quicker than Ronaldo! – track Bradley’s run. That’s a person who wants to catch play up and tap in after running 60-70 yards.’’

After losing their previous home games, Pools now have a chance to build on this one by following up with another victory at home to Tranmere on Saturday.

“I said last time that we weren’t a million miles away, not as poor as some said we were and today we weren’t as great as some say. But the energy and enthusiasm out there means it’s now down to the lads to replicate against Tranmere,’’ added Cooper.

“I don’t get too up and too down, but I want people to come and support us. I want a team out there who people will enjoy watching. People enjoyed that one.

“That was a good performance, and give the players credit who are here. It’s hard to go out there and play and they showed energy, quality and bravery and there can’t be many fans disappointed with this one, but let’s do it again next week.’’