CRAIG HIGNETT saluted his Hartlepool United players after they romped to their biggest away win in 12 years.

Pools won 5-2 at Morecambe on Saturday, scoring five on the road for the first time since they triumphed 5-1 at Wrexham in December 2004.

Defeat at Carlisle on Tuesday was Pools’ first in eight games, but they responded in style at the Globe Arena.

The win means Pools are mathematically safe from any threat of relegation and Hignett said: “I’m delighted with the players, the way we started was unbelievable.

“I wanted them to pass, to get on the front foot and they did it. At 2-1 at half-time I was disappointed as one or two relaxed a bit.

“I said at the break this can go one of two ways – and they got back on it and we punished them. I wanted them to be ruthless and they were today.

“I expected a tough game here, and we had a real good platform to go out there and perform.

“I wanted to score more and not relax or take their foot off.’’

Nathan Thomas scored twice, while also setting up Michael Woods for the third minute opener.

Hignett said: “Nathan was unplayable – see him like that and he should not be in League Two. There’s things missing from his game that hopefully we, in the next few months and seasons, can find and make him better and improve.’’

Pools other goals came from a Luke James penalty and a Rhys Oates tap-in.