Windscale’s unbeaten run of away games since the start of the season came to a shuddering halt.
They were soundly defeated by the Wearside League leaders Hartlepool as the 6-1 score line gave a true reflection of how the game panned out.
The signs were ominous as early as the fourth minute when Charlie Ord notched Hartlepool’s first goal.
The Atoms did steady the boat following this setback before Craig Linsel notched the first of his hat trick in the 42nd minute to give the home side a 2-0 half time lead.
Windscale’s bad day at the office continued in the second period as Ben Henderson increased the hosts tally with a header at the back post.
The Hartlepool lead extended to 5-0 when Linsel, just returning from injury, completed his hat trick.
The only bright spot in the Atoms mediocre performance was provided by Lewis Jolly who reduced the arrears with a fine finish.
It was Hartlepool who had the final say in the game when Jamie Tumilty completed the rout to leave the Atoms well beaten.
Windscale now have another four consecutive away games and will need to pick themselves up quickly for their game at Shildon next Saturday.
