Nicky Law upstaged more senior team-mates by scoring both the goals as United's Reserves continued their unbeaten start to the season on Wednesday night.

The young midfielder netted in both halves at a cold Don Valley Stadium as the likes of Lee Hendrie and Geoff Horsfield got 90 minutes worth of match action under their belts.

United's opening chance fell to Hendrie in his first game after a knee operation, although he was unable to beat Lee-Barrett. Horsfield forced the goalkeeper into a save and then a well-flighted 50-yard pass from Naughton put Oliver in the clear but the striker ballooned over, despite showing a neat touch to control the ball.

Hartlepool's only chance of the first half came from Mackay but Gerrard saved with his body.

The opening goal arrived on 39 minutes and was the result of a neat ten-pass move which culminated with Donnelly chipping for LAW to lift over the goalkeeper with the outside of his right boot.

United were unable to recreate their first half form soon after the break and Hartlepool enjoyed their best spell of the game. Gerrard did well to turn turn Mackay's deflected effort around the post before the visitors were awarded a penalty on 66 minutes following Cresswell's tug. It was MACKAY that was fouled and he stepped up to beat Gerrard from the spot.

The goal, however, was the signal for United to step up a gear. Hendrie cracked a half-volley wide after a good move before the home side restored the lead on 73 minutes. United worked the ball from right to left and Eagers showed awareness to sidefoot on to LAW to beat Lee-Barrett from the edge of the box.

Law turned provider on 80 minutes but Oliver's shot was saved by the goalkeeper and Hartlepool created the final chance in the closing minutes but Gerrard blocked from close range after Foley had wriggled free of Kerry and Cresswell.

Coach Ron Reid was delighted that United's fine start to the Pontins League Eastern Section campaign continued: "The first half was OK but we set off in the second slowly and it was no surprise when they equalised. We responded well and created a few chances and I was pleased that the opportunity fell to Nicky to grab his second."

Reserves: Gerrard, Binnion, Naughton, Ashmore (Kerry 73), Cresswell, Ross, Law, Hendrie, Horsfield, Oliver (Wedgbury 85), Donnelly (Eagers 65).
Unused: Chapman, Abdi.

Hartlepool: Lee-Barrett, Gibb, Robson, Gott, Tait, Turnbull, Maidens, Young, Mackay, Foley, Haigh.
Unused: Allison, Rowell, Forbes, Trevena.