HARTLEPOOL UNITED got back to losing ways, a week after enjoying a rare victory.

Pools were turned over 3-0 at Shrewsbury, all the goals coming in a woeful second-half.

In the first 45 minutes, Pools were the better side against the promotion-chasing Shrews. But the second period was a different story all together.

Ronnie Moore’s side defended firmly in the opening period and attacked positively.

They could have been in front, with keeper Jayson Leutwiler saving well to keep out a Jon Franks shot. Franks also prodded a shot wide from 18 yards.

Marlon Harewood, back in the starting XI, was played in on a counter attack, but lacked the pace to get away and Leutwiler was off his line swiftly to nick the ball away.

Then Jack Compton did well out wide on the left, playing in Rakish Bingham whose shot was blocked, before he fired a rising shot over from 20 yards.

But the encouragement of the opening half soon disappeared.

After 50 minutes, Andy Mangan was allowed to take possession, turn and work an opening in the area to curl his shot – from tight on the touchline – across Scott Flinders.

Compton had a chance for a quick leveller, but headed a Franks cross over from eight yards.

Number two came when a cross from the right was nodded by Mangan into the path of strike partner James Collins to fire in.

And it was completed as Mangan got a free header to make it three. 

Pools are now nine points short of League Two safety, ahead of the weekend's must-win trip to Tranmere.