DAVE Challinor’s Hartlepool United reign got off to a fine start. Pools thumped Yeovil 4-1 at Huish Park to earn another second round FA Cup hike.

They will meet the winners of the Cambridge and Exeter City tie on November 30.

Challinor said when he was unveiled on Monday that he wanted his side to play an expansive game, with more freedom.

And how they did so last night. They might have gone one-down, Lawson D’Ath netting after only three minutes, but soon turned it around.

D’Ath swept in from 12 yards, but Pools levelled three minutes later.

Luke James netted his second goal in three games, his angled shot going in off a post.

The striker then set up midfielder Gavan Holohan, who struck home from the edge of the area to make it 2-1. The pair were also on target in Pools’ last away game, the 2-2 draw at Notts County.

Nicke Kabamba missed a couple of openings, but then headed in from close range to make it 3-1 after the break.

Yeovil defender Luke Wilkinson was sent off for his second yellow card in the 70th minute.

And in the 86th minute, substitute Gime Toure, back from a hand operation, netted confidently from the penalty spot to send the 101 away fans home happy.

James told BBC Tees: “With the game being called of Saturday and travelling down today wasn’t great, but we have a good set of lads and it was a great performance.

“We went one-down, but reacted well and could have scored a lot more than four – but we are happy to get four away from home.

“At 2-1 you never know, but to make it 3-1 we were very much worth it. Then Gime comes on and gets a penalty.

“It’s been a tough week. We came here on Saturday, didn’t play and headed home. I’ve never played here on a Tuesday night before! That’s the character of the lads, we all have had a long few days and I didn’t get home until ten o’clock Saturday night without even playing.

“Saturday was a disappointment, but this is the best Cup in the world and we all want to get as far as we can.

“The new manager has come in and it’s perfect start. He wants to play attacking football and I think he will be happy with this. Getting to the next round is a big aim and we could be back down this way at Exeter yet!’’

Pools: Killip, Kioso, Kerr, Raynes, Kitching (Richardson 90), Mafuta, Featherstone, Holohan (Williams 57), Donaldson, James, Kabamba (Toure 71). Subs (not used): Cunningham, Kennedy, Hawkes, Muir.