Pools might have knocked West Brom out of the Carling Cup, but that result came after a promising start to the season.
This one came after one of the worst results of the season at home to Crewe, which itself had been preceded by another bad show at Scunthorpe.
Yet here they were not only beating Stoke, but keeping a clean sheet in a game when Arran Lee-Barrett really didn't have a proper save to make.
Yes, Stoke were only a shadow of a proper Premiership team and there's every reason to believe they are doomed to relegation this season.
But they are still more than 40 places above Pools on the football ladder and should have done better. Their manager Tony Pulis did well to keep his composure after the game, because his team were awful.
But Pools looked well from the start, the defence tight with Michael Nelson and Sam Collins probably playing as they ever have together, the midfield working hard all game, and the attack running at the big Stoke defenders.
The real surprise for those who were at the game was not the result, but the fact that it was probably even easier than the score suggests.
If only this form could be transfered to the League, Pools wouldn't have to go into the second half of the season fighting a battle to get out of the bottom half of the table.
Nelson headed Pools in front just after half-time, and sub Foley smnashed in the clincher quarter of an hour before the end. Will the critics get off his back now and give him a chance to make it? Don't bank on it.
Make no mistake, this was a great day for Pools - they beat a team from the top drawer on merit and a player some fans think can't play scoired the goal of the round.
You can't ask for more than that.

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