A LACK of goals might have been the bane of Hartlepool United's season last time around, but on this showing it may not be such a problem in the months to come.

It might only have been Pool's first pre-season friendly, and in Aberdeen against one of Britain's more porous defences, but there were few who went home from Victoria Park disappointed.

Two goals from lively Craig Midgley and one each from Kevin Henderson and Gary Strodder gave Pool a 4-3 advantage to give Chris Turner's side the perfect fillip before heading off to Norway for a three-game tour.

Turner is still looking for that 20-goal a season striker and he expects Gary Jones' move to Halifax to be resurrected and completed by the time Pool take on Brann Bergen tomorrow night.

"I thought the goals were good and against opposition like Aberdeen it is pleasing as well,'' admitted Turner. "The result means we go away with a little boost and it sets us up nicely.

"Gary Jones is probably going to Halifax on Monday and that will help us to bring someone else in.

"I could go out straight away and bring in two strikers on Bosman free, but they have to be better than what we have got.

"I could give you the names of ten players I have enquired about, but we cannot go out and spend silly money. Chris Freestone and Gary Jones leaving will open up an avenue to utilise their wages and go for someone a little bit more expensive in wages - I haven't let them go because I have to cut the wage bill.''

And Turner, who last season led Pool into the play-offs, added: "I want to be able to stand here next season and say that we have progressed even further as a club over the last 12 months.''

Pool fell two behind to goals from Eoin Jess and Arild Stavrum before Midgley grabbed one back after Paul Stephenson's rocket had cannoned off the bar.

Midgley had already been denied twice by former Darlington keeper David Preece and saw a third effort curl wide of the post by the time he got on the scoresheet.

Henderson levelled after the break when he planted Lee Fitzpatrick's cross past Preece, but Pool fell behind when new keeper Antony Williams saw Thomas Solberg's shot take a wicked deflection to send him the wrong way.

But Gary Strodder's first goal in Pool colours - an overhead kick after his initial effort was blocked - and Midgley's late second from close range gave Pool a tidy victory.

"It was a good game and a good result,'' Turner reflected.

"Pre-season games are about getting the feel of it back and sometimes your touch is there, sometimes it isn't, but it is pleasing to score four - especially against Aberdeen.''

All the players on duty on Saturday flew to Norway last night, as well as Graeme Lee who Turner rested as a precaution after he picked up a knee strain in training.

Pool: Hollund (Williams 45), Knowles (Arnison 45), Barron, Westwood (Strodder 45), Robinson (Knowles 83), McAvoy (Boyd 45), Stephenson (Fitzpatrick 45), Miller (Tennebo 45), Clark (Shilton 44; Westwood 73), Midgley, Henderson (Canavan 61)

l Jones stayed behind to finalise his move to the Shay after talks stalled on Friday - as Pool headed for Scandinavia.

He admitted: "It has taken a while to sort out but I am glad things are finally getting sorted.

"I am looking forward to a fresh start, I still feel confident I can do well. Halifax are ambitious and so am I.''

Jones is set to sign a two-year deal after completing a medical.

l FORMER Pool boss Mick Tait has walked out on UniBond League Blyth Spartans. Tait said: "The reality is that the finances just aren't there. I wasn't prepared to work in those circumstances.

"They have no immediate future which is a shame as I only went to Blyth as it was a big club with plenty of ambition.''