AT the fifth time of asking Hartlepool United last night secured a victory in Europe.

After a 5-1 defeat to Romanians FC Brasov in 1992, a failure to taste victory over Brann Bergen, Voss and Fana 12 months ago and a 1-1 draw with Fana on Saturday, Pool thumped Brann Bergen 5-0.

A brace from Jermaine Easter and strikes from Graeme Lee, Kevin Henderson and Paul Arnison meant Pool ended their mini-tour of Norway in style.

The home side, after a 3-1 win over Tromso on Sunday and with one eye on tomorrow's vital Champions League qualifier in Sofia, took the opportunity to field a side consisting of squad players and hopefuls aiming to impress and secure a place with the region's premier side.

And Pool, who return to the North-East today after their five-day continental stint, were too strong for the youthful-looking outfit in front of a healthy crowd.

Pool boss Chris Turner said:"We passed the ball around well and there was good movement. The new players have fitted in really well - that game was the first time some of them have played with the team.

"The result isn't the most important thing , but I thought we played some good football and things are coming along nicely for the first game of the season.''

The game was switched from the Brann Stadium to a small arena in he city and Turner revealed he was ready to call a halt to the game on arrival. He said: "I was a bit disappointed with the state of the pitch, and we nearly didn't play the game after we first walked on. There was a few pot holes in the pitch and you are always worried about someone going over on their ankle.''

Goalscorer Easter started up front with Ritchie Humphries, and the former Sheffield Wednesday man was soon in the action twice linking up well with Ian Clark, but on both occasions the chances went begging.

Turner might have increased the competition for places in midfield with the signings of Tommy Widdrington and Darrell Clarke, but Paul Stephenson has showed in pre-season he won't give up his place without a fight.

Clarke, a recent buy from Mansfield, missed out last night with a slight thigh strain, but ex-Newcastle man Stephenson created Easter's present in the 19th minue when he brought down Tommy Widdrington's long ball and pulled it across goal for the Welsh striker to net.

Pool had too much for the home outfit, although it took until after the break to double their lead.

Easter saw his first effort blocked by the keeper, but as the ball spun in the air, he reacted quickest to score.

On 65 minutes Graeme Lee netted number three. The towering defender, labelled a new signing by Turner after mising all but the closing weeks of last season, headed in powerfully from six yards after Ian Clark skipped his way through a succession of challenges on the left.

Kevin Henderson's goal was the most spectacular of the five. He replaced Humpries on 54 minutes and 20 minutes later flung himself at a searching ball by defender Gordon Simms to thump a header home.

Brann's only real opening arrived when Inge Rabben cannoned a shot off the post and the only worry for Pool during that rare spell of Brann pressure was trying to untie skipper Micky Barron after he got tangled in the net. Right on full time, substitue Arnison netted at the second attempt to complete what was a comfortable triumph for Pool.

Hartlepool: Williams, (Hollund 45); Bass, Westwood, Barron, Lee, (Simms 67); Clarke, (Boyd 72), Tinkler (Robinson 61), Widdrington, Stephenson, (Arnison) Humphries (Henderson 54), Easter (Lormor 61).

Read more about Pool here.