Pools ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at South Shields in their latest pre season friendly encounter.

It could have been different if the Northern League outfit had been more clinical in front of goal but in the end, Pools were worthy of their victory.

Chris Turner had named several First Team players among further triallists at Filtrona Park and they had their work cut out in torrential rain which hung around all evening.

Shields carved out the first real chance when Jon-Andre Fredriksen was robbed by striker Johnny Whiteman but he drilled an effort across goal and wide.

And the hosts were made to pay for their miss when Michael Mackay broke in behind the home defence to square the ball for trial player Thomas Roberts to convert from close range and put Pools in front.

Mackay went close himself just afterwards after some clever footwork but he drilled a shot over, while defender Paul Johnson could have done better when he headed too high from Fredriksen's corner.

While Pools had finished the first half strongly, Shields came out with new momentum after the break and began putting Turner's team under pressure.

Sean Sweeney saw his shot well-blocked by Pools keeper Andy Rafferty after the striker had combined well with fellow substitute Anthony Burnell down the right.

Burnell then wasted a golden opportunity to level things when he raced clear on goal but wastefully blasted the ball high and wide.

Central defender Tony Stephenson was next to try his luck but he too was denied, this time by a Colin Larkin clearance off the line.

And Pools hit their hosts with a sucker punch moments later when a wonderful cross from the left by full-back triallist Philip Quirk was expertly nodded home by half time introduction Billy Greulich.

Stephenson almost put through his own goal as Shields began to wobble; they had keeper Simon Parkin to thank for clawing Fredriksen's goalbound free kick round the post.

The Mariners could have responded when Simon Fitzpatrick put a header wide but Roberts ran clear to put gloss on the win with a thunderous finish from the left side of the box in the final minute of the game.

Full Time: South Shields 0 Pools 3

Pools: Rafferty, Purvis (Richards 80), Quirk (Pearson 77), Johnson, McCarten, Larkin, Fredriksen, Roberts, Mackay (Martin 71), Behan (Greulich 46), Wilson.
Sub not used: Mooney.