TRIALIST Paul Robinson did his chances of earning a deal at Hartlepool United no harm yesterday, writes Nick Loughlin.

The former Newcastle striker scored Pool's goal in a 1-1 draw with Sunderland at the Academy of Light. The Black Cats' goal came from £8m flop Tore Andre Flo and Mick McCarthy also gave run outs to Joachium Bjorklund, Stephen Wright and Julio Arca.

Robinson trained with Pool before the squad headed for Holland last week and linked up with Neale Cooper's side again on Monday.

Flo put Sunderland in front before Robinson netted from a Darrell Clarke pass.

Fellow trialist Richard Hope started for Pool alongside Micky Nelson in central defence before being replaced by Chris Westwood.

Ritchie Humphreys played the full game after sitting out last week's 3-3 draw in Heerenveen with a groin strain.

Paul Stephenson, meanwhile, had his first victory in charge of the Pool youth team yesterday when his team beat Scunthorpe 3-1 in the SAGE soccer festival.

* Former Pool striker Gordon Watson is set to sign a contract at Sheffield Wednesday after impressing his old boss during pre-season. Chris Turner also wants to sign former Middlesbrough midfielder Robbie Mustoe who has played two games on trial.

Read more about Hartlepool here.