Hartlepool 2 Leeds 1 (Micky Barron Testimonial)

Last updated : 25 July 2006 By Kevin Markey

He scored both Pools goals as they overcame a Leeds team that included new signing David Livermore and trialists Robbie Elliott and Mark Fotheringham.

New Pools boss Danny Wilson played a three-man attack with Brown alongside Joel Porter and Adam Boyd.

Leeds were still without Shaun Derry, Stephen Crainey, Richard Cresswell and Eddie Lewis, a quartet who surely will be regulars when the season starts.

Defender Robbie Elliott, out of contract at Newcastle, played at left-back for the Whites and gave a good account of himself.

But the hosts took the lead on 13 minutes when 19-year-old Brown scored from a 10-yard shot after Leeds old boy Mark Tinkler's right-wing cross caused confusion in the United defence.

Healy came very close to levelling in the 51st minute with a superbly-directed header from 15-yards from a cross by Kelly, only to see home keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos make a stunning save low down to his left.

Then Brown won a far post header from a right-wing corner from Richie Humphreys to put Pools two up in the 55th minute.

Leeds narrowed the gap five minutes later when Elliott got Fotheringham away down the left and his cross was flapped at by Konstantopoulos, only as far as Stone. The midfielder kept his cool in a crowded box and picked his spot to score in front of the away fans.

Leed should have then levelled nine minutes from time. Substitute Frazer Richardson found Stone, whose cross from the right was met by sub Joel Griffiths who headed wide from six yards.

A minute from time Konstantopoulos tipped over acrobatically from Elliott's 20-yard screamer and Leeds saw their unbeaten pre-season run come to an end.

Barron received a standing ovation when he was substituted with 3 minutes remaining.

Hartlepool: Konstantopoulos, Barron (Brackstone, 87), Nelson, Clark, Robson, Humphreys, Tinkler (Strachan, 79), Sweeney (Bullock, 81), Boyd (Foley, 84), Porter (E Williams, 75), Brown (Maidens, 60).

Subs Unused: Provett.

The Whites: Sullivan, Kelly, Foxe, Butler (Gregan, 60), Elliott, Stone, Bakke, Fotheringham (Griffiths, 72), Livermore (Richardson, 78), Blake (Beckford, h/t), Healy.

Subs Unused: Bennett, Parker.