A second-half three-goal blowout ensures Nicky Featherstone has a testimonial to remember as Pool comes out deserved winners against Leeds.

After a first half void of goals Jack Hunter past the hour put Pools in front before Danny Johnson chested a second from close. Right at the death, the trialist would then bag Hartlepool’s third and final goal.

Besart Topallaj had the first chance for Pools within three minutes, after the ball fell to him on the edge, the midfielder’s low drive was collected by Darryl Ombang.

Soon after, Johnson latched onto a loose ball just outside the box before he stormed forward and curled an effort just shy of Ombang’s left-sided post.

Leeds nearly opened proceedings just after the opening 15 after a passing sequence outside the box culminated in a first-time flick from Patrick Bamford fell for Joe Geldhart, whose effort floated over goal.

Jermaine Francis five minutes from half-time, nearly bagged the match’s first after the ball dropped for the winger 20 yards out; his sliced effort went wayward.

Hartlepool started the second half strongly after a set-piece a minute in and found a free Johnson at the backpost, however, the striker couldn’t keep his shot down from a tight angle.

Pools pressed on into the hour mark with Luke Charman storming down the left, after cutting in with his right and opening up to shoot, his low-curled effort slammed off the inside of the far post before being swept up by Leeds’ backline.

Hartlepool were eventually rewarded for their pressure after a tidy sequence of play led to Johnson, with his back to goal, set Hunter through who dispatched within ten yards.

A second came two minutes after when a chipped ball from Charman was met with a header from Topallaj, whose headed effort was parried towards Johnson, who chested past the keeper inside the six-yard box.

Hartlepool finished their rout after Adam Campbell won the ball high up the pitch before setting Jamie Miley through, who stormed forward and squared it to Trialist, who tucked his shot under the keeper.

Pools: Smith, Benn, McNally, Kouogun, Topallaj, John, Walker, Hunter, Francis, Reid, Johnson

Subs: Trialist, Trialist, Sheron, Darcy, Stephenson, Featherstone, Miley, Charman, Campbell, Folarin, Trialist

Goals: Hunter (65’), Johnson (70’), Trialist (87’)