Pools Youth Team ran out 3-1 winners on Saturday morning after a highly competitive encounter with Notts County at Chester-le-Street.

Micky Barron's men had already beaten their Magpie opponents twice previously this season but were given a tougher examination this time around.

An entertaining game began at high tempo with both sides looking to get the ball down and play and there were chances at both ends in the opening exchanges.

Pools went in front thanks to a clinical finish by Daniel Johnson who was played through on goal and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper.

Barron's youngsters were denied more goals by some good goalkeeping before County levelled things before the break to set up an interesting second half.

It was Pools who got themselves on top after the interval though and they dominated the second period with some expansive football and created several good openings.

Keeper Grant Herbert set Pools on their way for the second goal when he collected a cross and kicked quickly; the ball came out to Callum Martin who cut the ball back for the arriving Anthony Wakefield to score a wonderful goal.

Trialist Greg Rutherford made the game safe when he burst in to the box and prodded home from the rebound after Daniel Johnson's initial shot had been blocked.

Pools also enjoyed the rub of the green on two occasions as County had two goals controversially disallowed by the match officials.

"I was pleased with the team performance," Barron commented afterwards.

"It was a very competitive game and Notts County pushed us hard but I think we had a little bit of extra luck and perhaps a little bit more quality."

Full Time: Pools 3 Notts County 1

Pools: Herbert, Pearson (Rowbotham 57), Marshall, Richards (Wilson 72), Purvis, Marron, Martin, Liddle, Wakefield, Rutherford, D Johnson.
Subs not used: Snaith, Dodds, Mooney.