Grimsby Town ran out comfortable 3-0 winners against Hartlepool United in a pre-season fixture at Victoria Park on Saturday as the Mariners continued their preparations for the new campaign.
Decisive second-half period
The opening goal arrived before half-time through Justin Amaluzor, and the visitors put the tie beyond doubt shortly after the interval when Andy Cook doubled the lead two minutes into the second half. Amaluzor added his second later on to seal Grimsby's first victory of their summer programme.
Manager David Artell made numerous changes around the hour mark to give members of his squad match minutes, while Hartlepool — under Lee Clark — used the game as part of their preparation for a National League campaign after finishing ninth last season.
Team news and match context
Grimsby started with Christy Pym in goal and a back four of Joe Foulkes, Edon Pruti, Maldini Kacurri and Jayden Sweeney. The midfield included Kieran Green, Henry Brown and Kristian Catchpole, with Amaluzor supported by Charles Vernam and Cook leading the line. A number of players were named among the substitutes as the contest provided valuable minutes for squad members.
Hartlepool named former Mariners loanees Neo Eccleston and Liam Gibson in their starting XI. New loanee goalkeeper Max Merrick — on a season-long loan from Chelsea and an England U20 international — made his first appearance for the club.
Match action and observations
There were early moments for both sides. Grimsby defended resolutely at times, dealing with crosses and blocking shots as Hartlepool sought to press in front of their supporters. Despite some periods of pressure from the Pools, the visitors controlled key phases and finished the game without conceding.
| Scorer | Minute |
|---|---|
| Justin Amaluzor | First half (unspecified) |
| Andy Cook | Two minutes into second half |
| Justin Amaluzor (second) | Second half (unspecified) |
The fixture formed part of both clubs' summer schedules. Hartlepool were playing their fifth friendly of the summer and their first at home, having recorded wins away at Seaton Carew, Redcar Athletic, Spennymoor Town and Hebburn Town earlier in pre-season.
- Result: Hartlepool United 0–3 Grimsby Town
- Notable debut: Max Merrick appeared in goal for Hartlepool after joining on loan
- Context: Both teams are using friendlies to build fitness and assess squads ahead of their respective campaigns
For Hartlepool supporters, the result will be a reminder of areas to tighten up ahead of the National League campaign. For Grimsby, the clean sheet and attacking returns will offer encouragement as they move forward with pre-season preparations.
