The day Craig Hignett went to Barnet with Crewe Alexandra and won 7-4

The manager’s last appearance as a Pools player came at Barnet back in 2007, when Danny Wilson’s side lost 2-1 in the promotion run-in.

That was at the old Bees home at Underhill – Martin Allen’s side are now at the aptly-named the Hive.

“Barnet was my final game – and I came on as sub and pulled my hamstring after two minutes and I still should have scored as well!” laughed Hignett.

“It was a very good time under Danny and I really enjoyed that spell here.

“It’s a new ground now though, but I’ve good memories of Barnet.

“I went there with Crewe once, it was the opening game of the season and we won 7-4 and I scored three.

“But I remember it as much for (manager) Dario Gradi coming in afterwards and having a go at us for letting four in!”

Hignett has also mixed emotions about this week.

Having watched his side collapse at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night, within 24 hours he saw a Pools XI win 3-1 against a Newcastle reserve side at the Toon’s training HQ.

The Pools side includedthe likes of Rakish Bingham, Dan Jones, Ebby Nelson-Addy, Kudus Oyenuga, Connor Smith and comeback man Harry Worley.

Pools fell behind early doors, but Bingham finished smartly after Worley headed Oyenuga’s corner back across goal.

Bingham was involved in the build-up for Oyenuga to go past two defenders to make it 2-1 before sub Jack Blackford sealed the win late on when he started and finished a fine Pools move.

“All the lads did really well, put in a really good performance and won the game,” said Hignett.

“The players did a lot of good things I liked so I have a good problem for the weekend.”