Pools put in an entertaining display for the decent crowd gathered at The Vic this evening to beat Newcastle United 2-0.

First half goals from Michael Mackay and Colin Larkin sealed the win for Pools in what was a strong display this evening.

From the kick off, Colin West's men took the game to Newcastle and looked lively throughout.

Billy Greulich worked hard up front to hold the ball up and feed the energetic Michael Mackay and the pair combined early on as great work from Greulich set his strike partner running on goal but Mackay's final shot scraped just wide of the post.

And the duo combined again with fifteen minutes on the clock to open the scoring; Greulich again sending the ball through for Mackay and the pacy striker showed a clam head to slot home past Soderberg.

While all eyes of the media were on Joey Barton this evening, the midfielder worked busily as his side upped their tempo.

Grant Herbert, between the sticks this evening in place of the injured Mark Cook put in a confident and assured display, dealing comfortably with several crosses into the box.

But it was Pools who looked the more likely to add to the scorehseet; Ritchie Humphreys trying his luck with a lovely volleyed effort which just dipped onto the roof of the net and Jonny Rowell smashing an effort just wide of goal after a greta run through midfield.

There were further chances for Mackay and Humphreys, while Alan Power also sent a thunder strike at goal, but the second did not arrive until the stroke of half time.

Jonny Rowell won a corner after seeing his well-struck effort sting Soderberg's hands on the way out of play; Ritchie Humphreys sent the corner in from the right, Mackay rose to head at goal and Colin Larkin made sure of the goal as he hit home from close range.

The visitors closed Pools down quicker after the break and had a great chance to grab a goal back.

When Philip Airy ran through on goal with around 25 minutes remaining, Herbert came out to challenge and tripped the rangey striker as he was entering the box.

The referee was quick to point to the spot, giving Joey Barton the chance to seal his return in front of the assembled cameras; however, the Newcastle United chose to chip his effort at goal and saw the ball go high over the bar.

Michael Mackay went on to have a second goal chalked off after the official ruled Greulich had fouled Soderberg with his aerial challenge prior to the strike.

While the visitors did enjoy more of the ball in the second half, Pools defensive line held strong - Tom Marron looking comfortable alongside Steve Haslam at the back.

After good work in the middle from Jonny Rowell, Ritchie Humphreys sent a teasing ball into the box from the left which was headed over by the arriving Mackay.

Pools recorded a well-deserved 2-0 victory in this lively clash at The Vic to get the Reserves back to winning ways.

Pools: Herbert, McSweeney, Fredriksen, Rowell, Marron, Haslam, Larkin (C Liddle 87), Power, Greulich, Mackay, Humphreys (D Johnson 87)
Subs: Wakefield, Purvis, Richards

Newcastle United: Soderberg, Leadbitter, Lough, McLaughlin (Godsmark 56), Morris, Tozer, Barton (McDermott 74), Donaldson, Airey, Edmundsson (Danquah 46), Ferguson
Subs: McCrudden, Folan