Our Pools writer, Dominic Scurr, has dished out his player marks – with a look at how the club’s five new signing and trio of triallists fared as the National League campaign grows closer. Scroll down and click through the pages to see who shone and struggled for Craig Hignett’s side in the friendly at Dean Street:
1. Michael Raynes - 7
Pools’ skipper for the afternoon was rarely troubled at the back but dealt with what little came his way with ease. Photo: FRANK REID
2. Mark Kitching - 7
Another steady performance from the Hartlepool left-back. Kitching wasn’t kept particularly busy during the first half which allowed him to venture forward without influencing things too much. Photo: Ian Randall
3. Gus Mafuta - 7
Considering it’s Mafuta’s first game and he hasn’t trained as much as the rest of the squad, this was a really positive runout for the former Salford City man. He was a presence and an industrious charge forward on the 15-minute mark gave everyone a glimpse of what he can bring to the side this season. Photo: FRANK REID
4. Liam Noble - 8
Recycled the ball brilliantly in the first half. Shildon gave Noble time and space and the Pools midfielder took full advantage by spraying the ball all over the pitch. Netted another great goal from the edge of the box after starting the attack himself from inside the Pools half. Photo: Frank Reid