HARTLEPOOL United's reserve side ended their season on a winning note, with James Brown scoring and two triallists forming part of the side that won at Scunthorpe yesterday.

Micky Barron's side triumphed 3-1 and included former Darlington forward Curtis Main and Blackburn centre-half Andy Parry.

Main was due to be out of contact at The Northern Echo Arena this summer and boss Mark Cooper said: "He's been paid up and has left the club so he is free to train with anyone.''

He made 17 appearances for the Quakers this season without scoring after breaking into the first team with some promise in 2008 as a 15-year-old.

Brown has not appeared for Pools since the home loss to Leyton Orient on March 15 when he damaged an ankle.

Neil Austin also returned yesterday, playing for 65 minutes, following a calf strain.

The best both can hope for on Good Friday is a place on the bench for the game with Tranmere.

Brown put Pools into the lead yesterday and two goals from Michael Mackay - the second following a one-two with Main - mean Pools finish the campaign in second spot behind Middlesbrough.

"The reserves have done OK and mirrored the first-team, some really good and some dodgy performances,'' said Mick Wadsworth. "Sometimes it's difficult and that's down to the strength of the opposition.

"I love watching them to see how the young players cope stepping up and the older players how they cope being in there.''

He added: "At times we have been a very good team in League One, at other times we have been a very poor team and that consistency hasn't come to the team this season.

"In the changes we make in the summer in terms of player recruitment for next season will hopefully give us a more consistent approach.

"At times you think we could be in the play-offs, at other times you think we could be in the relegation places. I don't fool myself that it has been fantastic, but I say it has been a really good one on many fronts.''