HARTLEPOOL United romped to a 5-1 victory over hapless Southend at Victoria Park.

The win means Pool have bagged 22 goals in their last five home games.

Ritchie Humphreys started the rout, tapping in from close range after nine minutes. James Coppinger made it two with an angled drive ten minutes before the break.

Humphreys second on 66 minutes was a stunning 25-yard volley, Paul Smith made it four before substitute Jermaine Easter rolled home number five. Barrington Belgrave nabbed a 89th minute consolation.

Pool now have tough back-to-back away games at Cheltenham and Kidderminster, two games that will go a long way to determining their play-of fate.

Read more about Hartlepool United here.