Forest Green cruised to a 3-1 win at 10-man Hartlepool to stay top of League Two.

Unbeaten away from home this season, Rob Edwards’ side made it six wins on the road thanks to a dominant first-half performance.

It took them just four minutes to go ahead, a near-post corner being nodded in from close range by Jordan Moore-Taylor.

Pools did have a couple of half-chances but some organised defending kept them out.

Rovers doubled their advantage just before the half-hour mark. Matty Stevens was played in and when his shot came back off the bar, skipper Jamille Matt bundled in.

They almost made it three, only a great block from keeper Ben Killip denying Jack Aitchison’s foray into the area.

But on 45 minutes they got a third as Stevens had time to turn and fire in low off the post.

Pools pulled one back after 80 minutes as Nicky Featherstone scored from the spot after Joe Grey was pushed over in the area.

The home side then had Jamie Sterry sent off for violent conduct during a melee after 88 minutes.

Afterwards Rob Edwards hailed his side’s best display of the season.

“The first half was excellent and second was a never going to be the same," he said.

“They got a bit of a reaction but we managed it reasonably well. We always want a clean sheet but we will take that scoreline.

“It was as good as we have been first half, it really was. We always want to start well but this was especially fast.

“There’s a good fanbase here, make noise and it was the case at 3-0. We scored on four minutes to give us a foothold in the game and took control. It was well deserved in my opinion.

“Three goals away from home at a difficult place to come – this was only their second home defeat – is pleasing. Everyone played their part.

“The second half was about managing the game, everyone wants four, five, six but it doesn’t always happen does it?”