MATTHEW BATES was as satisfied as opposite number Jason Ainsley as Hartlepool United and Spennymoor gave each other a stern pre-season test.

Both managers got what they wanted from the game, as Pools won 1-0 thanks to Luke James’ close-range first-half finish.

It was James’ second goal in as many games since returning to Pools and the striker showed plenty of promise as he was paired up front with Niko Muir.

"It was a good game for the lads,’’ reflected Bates. "It was as near to a game as we are going to get next season in our friendlies so I was very pleased, especially the first half.

"We didn't come out of the blocks for the second half like we did in the first. We stopped doing what we had been doing in the first half, but overall I was pleased.

"It was as realistic a friendly as you could get.

"It was a proper football game, with a little bit of needle towards the end which is good to have.’’

And Ainsley, set to add to his side’s attacking ranks in the next couple of days, added: “I felt we competed ever so well and it didn’t look like a teams a league apart. When it’s tight like it is, it’s down to fine margins and the goal came from a set-play.

“We have had two good games at home against Middlesbrough and Hartlepool and that’s what we all want in pre-season.

“The new signings here have been excellent – they have fitted in well and we looked solid against Hartlepool.

“We need a couple of new bodies in up front, be it wide or through the middle to help Glen Taylor, but they need to be the right people because we have a good group here.

“We hope for one or two and we have secured a deal for a player but waiting on paperwork to come through. We are always being approached by players to come here because this is an exciting club to be at.

“Hopefully the Hartlepool fans and players have witnessed what a good side Spennymoor are.’’

Moors, who missed out on a play-off spot in National League North in the final seconds of the season, aim to go one better this time out.

Pools hope to put last season’s traumas to bed and challenge at the top end of the National League table.

Former Boro centre-half Andrew Davies defended with authority at the back, while Moors’ had plenty of joy attacking down Pools’ left side patrolled Myles Anderson and Mark Kitching.

"Going in at half-time the lads are getting around each other saying 'let's keep this going and 'let's keep this clean sheet',’’ said Bates.

"For them to be saying it without me having to is great. It's a sign how good the dressing room is.’’

Pools have played four unbeaten pre-season games and Bates added:"It's good for momentum.

"How many goals is it now against in pre-season? Two? It will be nice to get another clean sheet next week against Middlesbrough."

James turned in from close range, reacting quickest in the six-yard area ahead of Shane Henry, after a header from Andrew Davies was well kept out by Matthew Gould.

The new Moors’ keeper was also beaten by a rising drive from midfielder Josh Hawkes, but the ball crashed back off the inside of the post.

Moors had the ball in the net on 64 minutes, a low angled finish from Stephen Brogan beating Loach, but the effort was flagged offside.

Liam Noble’s free-kick from 25-yards cleared the defensive wall but came back against the frame of the goal.

A mix-up between Loach and Anderson allowed Rob Ramshaw in, but Loach was alert enough to divert the ball away with an outstretched leg.

SPENNYMOOR TOWN: Gould; Williams, Brogan, Chandler (Atkinson 80), Thackray, Curtis, Hall (Anderson 63), Henry (Hibbs 46), Taylor, Ramshaw, Foley (Johnson 63).

Subs: Johnson, Trialist A , Trialist B, Trialist C, Trialist D.

HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Loach; Anderson, Davies, Magnay (Laing 46); Kitching, Hawkes (Newton 84), Featherstone (Woods 70), Noble (Hawkins 84), Donaldson (Richardson 70); James (Cassidy 63), Muir (Dinanga 63).

Sub (not used): Catterick.

Referee: Gary Hart (Darlington)