Luke Armstrong continued his stunning scoring form as Hartlepool beat Wealdstone 3-1 at Victoria Park to secure a fourth successive National League win.

The defeat was Stones’ second in a row as they continue their inconsistent form that has seen them pick up two wins, two defeats and a draw from their last five games.

The hosts made a promising start and almost capitalised on a slip at the back but Armstrong’s ninth minute effort was pushed wide by Stuart Moore from a tight angle.

The on-loan Salford forward broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, after good work from Mark Shelton, to claim his sixth goal in as many games.

Gavan Holohan missed a glorious chance to add a second when he fired wide before Pools goalkeeper Ben Killip produced superb saves from Moses Emmanuel and Jacob Mendy to deny Wealdstone – playing their first league match since Boxing Day – an equaliser.

They proved vital as the home side doubled their advantage in the 54th minute, Rhys Oates tapping in on the line after Wealdstone keeper Stuart Moore had parried David Ferguson’s effort.

Nicky Featherstone added a third following a corner four minutes later with Matthew Lench hitting the bar for the visitors before Mendy found the bottom corner from 25 yards in the 75th minute.

Kundai Benyu and Mendy struck the woodwork in the closing stages for Wealdstone but Pools survived to consolidate second place in the table.

Stones meanwhile have slipped to 14th place in the National League as they continue to drop down the table following their impressive start to the season.

Bottom of the league Dover Athletic present Wealdstone with a good chance to get back to winning ways in their next league match after they face Gloucester in the FA Trophy this weekend.