Pools Youth Team ran out 4-2 winners over Rochdale in the Second Round of the Youth Alliance Cup on Friday afternoon.

In what was an excellent team performance, Micky Barron's side put in their best performance of the season so far to progress to the next round of the competition.

Lee Mason kicked off a good afternoon for himself when he nicked in to steal the ball from the defender before slotting home for 15 yards after just five minutes of play.

This bright start gave Pools just the boost they needed and they were 2-0 up inside ten minutes.

Good play by Mason saw the forward make a strong run down the edge of the box before he cut back for Marc Ellison to hit home from 8 yards.

As Barron's side upped their pressure, they created numerous chances - Chay Liddle had a shot saved from the edge of the box just before the half hour mark.

But it was Callum Martin who hit the third when he latched onto a mistake from the hosts to curl the ball into the net from the edge of the box.

Going into the second half 3-0 up and Pools started the second half just as brightly; Lee Mason grabbing the fourth goal of the game when he ran at the defence to socre with a great finish from just inside the box.

Mason found the net with Pools' fifth of the afternoon but saw his effort chalked off for offside.

Rochdale started to put Barron's side under pressure late in the game with long balls and set pieces and grabbed two goals back.

Micky Barron was delighted with his side's overall display on the day,

"The two goals will not take the shine off what was an excellent performance.

"I was really proud of the way they went out and performed and I was delighted with the result.

"We had a young side out there today and they all did ever so well."

Pools: Herbert (Thomas), Purvis, Blackford, Ellison, Johnson, Sharples, Martin (McRoberts), Marron, Mason, Charlton, Liddle
Subs Not Used: Quantrill, Wakefield