Hartlepool United go to Seaham tonight to take on the Northern League side, writes Nick Loughlin.

With Stockport visiting Victoria Park tomorrow night - the first of four home friendlies in seven days - boss Chris Turner is likely to field a side made up of reserve and youth players.

Winger Niall McNamara will be handed a chance to impress while on a week-long trial at Victoria Park. The Irish-born 20-year has previously been with Notts County and made four substitute appearances before being released in April. He started his career with Nottingham Forest.

McNamara could be joined in midfield by Tony Sweeney, who impressed in Saturday's 3-1 win at Berwick.

Turner has high hopes for the Stockton-born 18-year-old.

"He is 12 months further down the line this season and we want him pushing in the first 16,'' said Turner.

"It's good to give him some experience when we can in the pre-season games - I've been delighted with the way he has progressed.

"We have go get players in the team who can get forward from midfield and he can do that - he has a bit of Tommy Miller about him.''

Pool have been in good pre-season form, with last season's leading scorer Gordon Watson netting seven times in the two games he has played.

"Gordon is looking sharp,'' said Turner. "But all the lads have come back from the summer break in good shape.

"We have been working hard off the ball which is pleasing. Winning the ball back from our opponents will be a big thing for us next season because we know we have the ability to hurt teams and create chances.''

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