THEY might now share an English record, but even Manchester United couldn't manage what Hartlepool United achieved last night!

A thumping 8-1 win over Grimsby took Pool's unbeaten home League run to 18 games; the same number the Premiership champions have managed at Old Trafford, and they now share the record for the longest unbeaten home stretch in English football.

But Sir Alex Ferguson's side have never managed an 8-1 win in that tally. Victoria Park was a Theatre of Dreams last night, as Pool tore Grimsby to pieces.

In front of watching former boss Chris Turner and Sunderland chief Mick McCarthy, Pool were four-up after just 31 minutes.

Paul Robinson netted a clincial hat-trick to take his seasonal league tally to six in seven games; his previous best was four in a full campaign.

Manger Neale Cooper decided on a 4-3-3 formation and it paid early dividends for the home side. Marco Gabbiadini was clattered from behind by Jason Crowe and from the free-kick, Pool were in front.

Strachan curled the ball into the danger area and from eight yards, player-manager Paul Groves sent a bullet header into his own net.

Seconds later, the advantage was doubled. Gabbiadini was again fouled, this time tripped in the penalty area by Simon Ford as he was about to latch onto Humphreys' deft through ball.

Referee Scott Mathieson hesitated, but his assistant flagged instantly for a penalty and Robinson confidently struck home his first of a glorious night.

And after an own goal and a penalty came a goal from a free-kick. Gavin Strachan bent his shot over the defensive wall and inside the near post.

Just 31 minutes gone, it was four - and finally a goal from open play.

Micky Barron danced into the area, exchanged passes with Eifion Williams and lifted the ball high to the far post. Humphreys took a touch, saw his shot blocked and then whacked it home with his under-used right foot.

It took Grimsby only three minutes to pull one back after the restart. Boulding crossed and John Rowan slid the ball home.

But it didn't take long for Pool's fifth. Micky Nelson's long ball looked easy for defender Ford, but Robinson's electric pace saw him get in front of the defender and, after going one on one with Davison there was only one outcome.

Yet five wasn't enough. A neat move on the left saw Robinson cross for Gabbiadini to easily turn in at the back post.

And Robinson wasn't finished there. He latched onto Williams' slide rule pass, got in front of keeper Davison and threaded a delightful ball across the six yard box for Williams to net.

Seven-one up and soon it was eight.

Robinson completing his hat-trick from just a yard out after Darrell Clarke teed him up