Hartlepool United's preparations for the new season continued in style last night with a convincing 3-0 victory over Gateshead at the International Stadium.

Pool sealed their place in the final of tonight's Century FM tournament thanks to goals from Adam Boyd, Ritchie Humphreys and Ian Clark.

Chris Turner's side made the best possible start when Boyd capitalised on 'keeper Adrian Swann's sliced clearance, with a finely crafted 25-yard lob.

Swann made up for his earlier error to deny former Sheffield Wednesday striker Humphreys, who should have doubled his new side's lead with a close range header.

However, Humphreys soon made amends after half an hour when he met Kevin Henderson's precise cross from the right to grab his first goal for Pool with a well placed header.

Clark claimed Pool's third early in the second half with a well taken penalty after being tripped in the box.

Pool 'keeper Martin Hollund was called into action to keep Richie Alderson at bay and Gareth McAlinson almost pulled a goal back for the home side only to be denied by the post.

Humphreys was presented with a chance to double his tally after he was brought down in the box but Swann completed a memorable evening to tip the striker's spot-kick around the post.

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