A trialist put Pools ahead within the opening 10 minutes but a double from Cedwyn Scott sent The Heed into half time in front.

Macaulay Langstaff and Greg Olley both grabbed second half goals to add gloss to the scoreline and send the International Stadium crowd home happy.

Mike Williamson named a strong squad against League Two opposition, with one trialist amongst the starting 11 alongside established names and new signings alike.

It was Hartlepool who had the better of the two sides early on however and netted the first goal back in front of fans at the GIS when a trialist slotted home from a cross at the back post.

It took around 20 minutes for Gateshead to settle into things but once they did, the chances came flooding in.

Scott made a number of runs towards the back post unmarked, with only the final touch eluding him as crosses came in from out wide, while Adam Campbell sent a 20-yarder over the crossbar.

Scott found the net with half an hour on the clock to level things up after Dan Ward’s harrying caused Pools to turn over possession, before he fed Scott who slotted past Ben Killip at his near post.

Hartlepool perhaps should have regained the lead almost instantly though, first when Gavan Holohan went clean through before Elliot Forbes halted him with a fine tackle before Louis Storey was forced to do the same following a mix up at the back.

Scott capitalised and made it two not long after when he prodded home Campbell’s goal-bound shot with Killip stranded.

The Heed came out in the second 45 just as they ended the first and Langstaff added a third as he raced through before finishing low past Killip to put Williamson’s men in control.

The home side remained firmly in control from that point onwards and added a fourth through a huge mix up in the Pools defence before Campbell gladly laid off Olley for a tap in.

Williamson’s side weren’t satisfied with their 13th goal of the week and went in search of more with Langstaff putting on pressure but firing wide as he cut inside, but the hosts would have to settle for the four on the day.

Gateshead XI: Cameron, Tinkler, Forbes (Wombwell, 56’), Storey, Trialist, Hunter (Pani, 52’), Ward, Olley, Langstaff (Thomas, 74’), Campbell (Leech, 83’), Scott (Trialist, 52’).

Substitutes: Bolton, Nelson.

Goals: Scott (31, 41’), Langstaff (46’), Olley (63’)

Hartlepool Goals: Trialist (9’)

Attendance: 723