Pools returned to Victoria Park for the first time since COVID and it was an eventful one to say the least as it finished Pools 12-0 Brandon United
Huge thank you to everyone at Brandon United for allowing the game to happen and being able to play in such short notice.
The first goal came after ten minutes as Pools worked the ball nicely and Ofosu who started the game as a left winger drifted inside, found himself on the edge of the box and slotted the ball home into the top right corner.
This would be the start of a long afternoon for Brandon as just 3 minutes later a corner ball resulted in a few scrappy touches inside the penalty area until Aaron Cunningham was able to direct a shot on target under the Brandon Keeper to make it two.
The third for Pools came on 16 minutes and resulted in being the first of a busy afternoon for Luke Williams. Williams, who started his first game after coming back from a lomg term injury was involved in some great build up play with Donaldson and MacDonald until he drove a shot from around 20 yards out into the bottom left corner, with the Brandon Keeper standing no chance.
The goals would keep coming for Pools and Luke Williams as on the 20 minute mark, Luke once again found himself in the No.10 role on the edge of the box and after a smart control on his knee, he was able to volley it into the top right corner to make it 4-0 to Pools.
23 minutes gone and the ball is played into Bloomfield who uses his strength to roll the Brandon defender, move onto his right foot and slot home into the bottom corner. A superb individual effort.
Pools had two trialists today in from the start who both had their shot at either full back position respectfully. On 34 minutes, it was the trialist left back who made his mark, driving forward and seeing his deflected shot hit the back of the net.
Just before half time, Pools were able to grab a seventh as MacDonald played in Ofosu right hand side of the penalty box and he unselfishly cut it back for Bloomfield who had a tap in to grab his second of the day.
Half time: Pools 7-0 Brandon United
It didn't take Pools long to find the back of the net after the restart as on 52 minutes, Luke Williams danced his way round the Brandon Keeper and slotted home to get his hattrick of the day.
Williams wasn't done there as 20 minutes later he once again found himself on the edge of the box to volley home and make it four on the day for him and nine for Pools.
Goal 10 and 11 came within 30 seconds of eachother and we can only describe it as De Ja Vu. Both times, David Parkhouse went through on goal and the Brandon Keeper made two fantastic saves and was found unlucky to see Mark Shelton there ready to compose himself and put the ball in the back of the net.
The final goal of the game for Pools came right on the full-time whistle as Shelton found himself on the left hand side where he was able to cut the ball back for Gav Holohan who calmly finished into the bottom right corner.
The lads will now look ahead to the next confirmed friendly next Saturday at Gateshead.
Hartlepool United 12-0 Brandon United FC