A Hartlepool United XI, made up of trialists and a selection of academy players, claimed an 8-1 victory at FC Hartlepool in pre-season action.

Ian McGuckin oversaw the game from the touchline with Nicky Featherstone assisting, while Pools manager Darren Sarll watched on from the stands.

Pools took a 2-0 lead into the break after goals from the trialist striker and right winger around the half-hour mark.

Lewis Green pulled one back for FC Hartlepool after half-time, however the visitors quickly made it 4-1 with the aforementioned striker and winger again getting on the scoresheet.

In the final 10 minutes, a substitute midfielder notched a hat-trick for Pools while another trialist headed home at the back post to make it 8-1.

Darren Sarll will take his first game from the dugout next weekend as Pools travel to West Auckland Town.