Hartlepool United Women were welcomed to their new home, Metcalfe Park, with a 6-2 victory over division rivals Bishop Auckland Ladies in pre-season action.

Alex Curl took the side from the dugout, and they led after just five minutes through Zara Johnson’s low finish.

Liv Bell’s strike and Zara Johnson’s second meant Pools were 3-0 up, though Bishop pulled one back just before the break.

The visitors grabbed another straight after half-time, making it 3-2, however Pools captain Emily Stuart found the back of the net with a header to regain the two-goal advantage.

And late goals from Anya Geary and Mae Rackstraw saw Pools run out 6-2 winners in their second pre-season friendly.

“Sunday’s game was another step in the right direction,” explained Curl after the result.

“In the first half, we created numerous dangerous chances and scored three great goals. The second half was even better as we took full control of the game and played at a high intensity with another three well-worked goals.

“A few mistakes when playing out cost us two goals but we will learn from them moving forward. A hot day meant lots of rotation throughout the 90 with almost all players getting at least an hour on the pitch, so that’s a big positive as well.”

Hartlepool United Women head to Chester-le-Street Amazons next weekend in their third pre-season friendly.