Billingham Town 0 Hartlepool United 4: Craig Hignett happy with win for Pools

Craig Hignett said there was nothing but 'positives' from Hartlepool United's first pre-season run-out at Billingham Town.
New Hartlepool United striker Padraig Amond. Picture by Tom Collins.New Hartlepool United striker Padraig Amond. Picture by Tom Collins.
New Hartlepool United striker Padraig Amond. Picture by Tom Collins.

Hignett picked two separate sides for the match against the Northern League side at Bedford Terrace with five of his summer signings all appearing, including first goals for Lewis Alessandra and Padraig Amond.

“There were some really good performances and I was pleased a couple of the new lads scored goals,” said Hignett. “There was a lot of positives and nothing to be disappointed with.”

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Pools controlled play with ex-Rochdale forward Alessandra putting Pools in front from eight yards in the 18th minute.

Four minutes later, Pools doubled their lead when Billy Paynter headed in Carl Magnay’s cross from the right.

It was the same route for number three when Town defender Mark Dixon turned Magnay’s cross.

Like Alessandra, Padraig Amond marked his first appearance when he put in the fourth from a few yards on the hour.

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Summer signings Alessandra, mond, Nicky Deverdics, Jake Orrell and Toto Nsalia all wore Pools strips for the first time.

Hignett included two trialists, left-back Tom Gilbey, who played in the opening 45 minutes, and central defender Andrew May, who partnered Rob Jones after the interval.

Pools first half: Carson, Magnay, Bates, Nsiala, Gilbey, Featherstone, Laurent (Orrell 30), Hawkins, Alessandra, Paynter, Oates.

Pools second Half: Bartlett, Richards, May, Jones, Carroll, Walker, Woods, Deverics, Orrell, Amond, Thomas.