Lee Clark identifies 'big benefit' after Hartlepool United pre-season win at Seaton Carew

Lee Clark challenged his Hartlepool United squad to foster a ‘winning mentality’ after his managerial reign got underway with a 3-0 victory in a pre-season friendly at Northern League newcomers Seaton Carew. The former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder handed starts to summer signings Corey McKeown, Neo Eccleston, Terry Bondo and Will Harris at Hornby Park - and it was the latter that opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark as he headed home from a Jamie Miley free-kick to rack up what he will hope will be the first of many goals this season. Clark introduced an entirely new eleven for the second-half and it was another of his summer additions that caught the eye as former Morecambe and Leicester City forward Chris Popov scored twice to hand his side a solid win in their first run-out of pre-season. As well as running the rule over a number of trialists throughout the 90 minutes, Clark was able to ensure every member of his squad got at least 45 minutes of action as they look to build their fitness ahead of the new National League season. However, the Pools boss has insisted he wants to use his side’s pre-season schedule to build a winning mentality as he looks to push for promotion into the EFL during his first season in charge at Victoria Park. Speaking to the club website after the game, he said: “The first one is always that one that gets rid of the cobwebs. There were a few things we wanted to look at and we got some really good positives and we have lots of areas to improve on - but that’s always the case after the first game. One thing I did say to the lads to do, it’s alright in pre-season talking about fitness and getting minutes into legs, and that’s correct, but I want to win as well. This is getting into that winning mentality, the winning habit, setting standards, getting momentum. So every pre-season game is about getting ready for 8th August but if you can go there with that winning mentality, that’s a big benefit to you.” Pools will be back in action on Tuesday night when they travel to Northern Premier League Premier Division newcomers Redcar Athletic. Your next Hartlepool United read: Hartlepool United handed tough home test on National League opening day