Pools showed no remorse after a free-flowing first half performance meant Darren Sarll’s side walked out of 1st Cloud Arena with a 5-0 victory.

The visitors, playing in a new system from the previous two friendlies, led after just eight minutes in South Tyneside.

Greg Sloggett found himself in acres of space on the left flank, and his driven cross was stabbed home by Mani Dieseruvwe for the opener.

Joel Dixon made a fantastic double save in the 26th minute to deny Paul Blackett, before Pools went up the other end and bagged a second.

A corner was awarded to the visitors, and when Anthony Mancini’s ball came in, a trialist hit a header full of pace into the back of the net.

Straight from kick-off, it was three. A mix up at the back fell victim to Hartlepool’s high press, allowing Dieseruvwe to tap into an empty net from 20 yards.

There were no signs of stopping. Seconds later, Adam Campbell raced down the left flank and buried his chance into the near corner for Pools’ fourth.

And the last chance of the half saw Pools get a fifth through hat-trick hero Dieseruvwe.

Sloggett played a perfect pass through to Campbell, who squared for Dieseruvwe to slam home with an easy finish.

With several changes made in the second half, Shields found a way forward with MacKenzie Heaney, Kyle Crossley and Will Jenkins all going close.

There was an opportunity for a late consolation following Manny Onariase’s foul, but Robert Briggs’ penalty was saved by the trialist goalkeeper.

With a 5-0 victory secured at 1st Cloud Arena, Pools now look towards next weekend with a home fixture against Sunderland U21s.