'Great feeling' for Dave Challinor and Hartlepool United to be back playing in front of a crowd in 5-1 win at Morpeth Town

Fifty Poolies made the journey up to Craik Park as goals from Claudio Ofosu, Mason Bloomfield, Mark Shelton, David Ferguson and Ryan Donaldson saw Challinor’s men run out as convincing winners in the end.

Liam Noble pulled back a consolation goal against his former club to give the home fans something to cheer.

But having gone half a year without playing a game of football in front of fans, Challinor admitted it was nice to be back.

"It was a great feeling," he told The Mail.

“As for the match, I was saying in the first half that it can become a bit frustrating at times and you look and think, ‘I don’t know why I do this’!

“You forget it’s more stress than it’s worth sometimes but the reason we play and we’re involved with football is because of the atmosphere and the environment it’s played in.

“Without fans at a game, it does become sterile and it’s different but you’ve got to be adaptable and get used to it.

"The best players and the best teams will be the ones who are able to adapt to the change and hopefully while we’re going through this odd time, we can be one of those teams but the sooner we can get everyone back safely the better because that’s what we do it for.”

Pools are set to kick-off the National League season at home to Aldershot Town on October 3 – though it remains to be seen if fans will be permitted to attend following the latest government announcements.

But on the pitch, Challinor was pleased with how his side played in what was only their second pre-season game.

“There are loads of positives to take from the game," added the Hartlepool manager.

“There was always going to be more rhythm with the team towards the end of the game because that’s the team who know each other better, know what we do and have the benefit of playing against a tired team.

“Mason getting off the mark is great, Claudio getting another goal is fantastic – we got glimpses of good combinations down the side, Fergie was obviously a big threat from left-back with Mols [Luke Molyneux].

“It would have been nice for Joe [Grey] to get his goal but he showed glimpses of what he’s about for someone so young having just turned 17.

"He’s been brilliant for us and that’s a credit to him, he deserves the contract he’s got so hopefully he can get himself a goal and have a big impact.”

It's a quick turnaround for Pools as they face Blyth Spartans on Saturday afternoon (3pm kick-off), looking to build on Friday night’s impressive outing.

The only changes to the side will see new signing David Parkhouse come in for Luke Williams, who will be rested as a precaution.

Trialists Scott McLean, Daniel Boateng, Edwin Mensah and Jordan Mustoe will start from the bench.

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