HARTLEPOOL United boss Chris Turner last night welcomed his side's 0-0 draw in Norway and joked: "We're unbeaten in Europe!"

Pool had three games this week on their mind and although they failed to find a breakthrough against the top flight Norwegian side, Turner was pleased with his side's display in front of a passionate home crowd.

"Pre-season and games like this are all about finding your feet and getting back into the game after a break," said Turner.

"It was a good workout and although we didn't create a lot we could take things out of the game.

"We had a lot of possession in both defence and midfield and you don't get that in Division Three.

"It was a draw and to be honest if things were going perfectly well I would be a bit suspicious because this is pre-season and all I am concerned about is Lincoln on August 12.."

Pool's only other taste of European friendly action came in 1992 with a 5-1 thumping against crack Romanian side FC Brasov.

But with Brann facing a busy week with important games against Molde and Rosenborg to come, against a second string there was never any danger of a repeat scoreline in these picturesque but cold surroundings.

Against a team halfway through their season Pool were a little rusty in only their second game of the summer and were reliant on Martin Hollund saving them from falling behind against his old club.

Twice Hollund - sporting a Brann goalkeeper's shirt - saved Pool's bacon with solid saves.

But on the stroke of half time he almost handed the hosts the lead when his clearance cannoned into the back of Tom Erik Instoy only for the linesman's flag to save his embarrassment.

And Pool were thankful to new goalkeeper Anthony Williams when he used his legs to block Sindre Maroy after he raced clear and then the Welshman reacted instinctively to deny Oddvar Johannesen.

Paul Stephenson came on at the interval for Lee Fitzpatrick who was struggling with a hamstring strain and he tried to drive the visitors forward but Pool's lack of match fitness told and they failed to seriously test the Brann rearguard.

Pool were without Kevin Henderson who was suffering from blisters, Ian Clark (shin) and Graeme Lee (knee).

Henderson will return in tomorrow's game with Voss.

l GARY Jones yesterday completed his free transfer to Halifax where he signed a two-year deal.

Pool (3-5-2): Hollund, (Williams 45), Shilton (Robinson 81), Barron, Westwood, Strodder, Arnison, (Knowles 40), Tennebo, Miller, Fitzpatrick, (Stephenson 45), Boyd, (McAvoy 62), Midgley, (Canavan 62).