HARTLEPOOL UNITED coasted to a 3-0 friendly win over Macclesfield.

Craig Hignett’s side were in command from the off, while the visitors, featuring a number of trialists, were well beaten.

Pools take on Sunderland in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday to complete their pre-season preparations, but boss Craig Hignett will be happy with how his team is developing.

They start their season at home to Sutton United next Saturday.

Gime Toure, a player who Hignett has high hopes for this season, wasted the chance to score early on.

Tripped in the area, the recent signing from Sutton blasted a penalty high over the bar.

Then Niko Muir, part of Pools’ front three, whipped a shot from distance against the crossbar.

When Toure’s header was blocked, Muir pounced and his header was nodded off the line by Theo Vassell.

Macc, with no names or numbers on their shirts, had an effort from distance on 35 minutes, but Nicky Featherstone diverted it over.

As half-time approached, the visitors had a free-kick 25 yards out and Jak McCourt curled the effort against the bar.

Michael Raynes almost put through his own net, but keeper Ben Killip flew across goal to keep it out.

Pools took the lead on 58 minutes, Gavan Holohan fed Nicky Featherstone and he turned and his low finish was diverted in.

Toure did get on the scoresheet, volleying in on the turn after some sterling work by substitute Luke James.

And Pools got a third on 82 minutes. Following a frantic scramble, Featherstone’s curling cross was nodded in from close range by Michael Raynes.

Pools: Killip; Kioso (Richardson 46), Raynes, Cunningham, Crichlow-Noble; Featherstone, Mafuta, Holohan; Muir (James 60), Kabamba, Toure (Bale 72).