Last updated on .From the section League Two

Caolan Lavery opened the scoring with a superb shot from the edge of the penalty area.

Portsmouth scored two in each half to thump disappointing Hartlepool.

The hosts took the lead when Caolan Lavery curled a superb effort in after 12 minutes from the edge of the box.

Visiting defender Adam Jackson diverted a Ben Davies centre into his own net to make it 2-0 to Pompey at the break.

Marc McNulty teed up Gareth Evans for the third before the former got on the scoresheet with a calm finish beyond Pools keeper Trevor Carson from an Enda Stevens pass.

Portsmouth assistant manager Leam Richardson told BBC Radio Solent:

"The win is good for the lads going into the start of the Christmas period and obviously the four goals are an extra bonus.

"Hartlepool are a good team. As you've seen in spells today, they can handle the ball, they offer a threat at the top end of the pitch and they do make you work.

"I think we have found a little bit of momentum in our play and in our fluency, certainly in areas of the pitch.

"I personally think we can get a little bit better with a little bit more hard work and the lads are on that page at the minute."