Hartlepool Pools Youth FC Seniors vs Durham United
Wearside Premier Division
Wednesday 6th November 2024
19:00
Written by Tom Boothroyd
It was a dark, chilly, night as United travelled to Hartlepool for the fourth and final game of the day (not sure who’s great idea that was), with many of the lads playing their second game of the day. With some motivational 'underground' music on show in the changing rooms beforehand, the boys warmed up and were ready to go.
The first 20 minutes were a bit slow, with United failing to stamp any sort of mark on the game but, with good defending from Lant, Wild, Alcock and Benoist, we kept the scores level.
We were punished just after the 20 minute mark, with a good bit of link up between the Hartlepool midfielder and striker setting up a shot just outside the six yard box and, despite getting a strong hand to it, Dixon was unlucky to see the ball trickle into the back of the net.
We weren't behind for long, however, as, just five minutes later, the ball dropped to Chris Seery on the edge of the box...
Words don’t do this goal justice; despite having two defenders close by, Seery hit it on the volley with a perfect connection, nestling the ball into the stanchion. It was a sublime strike, and will certainly be getting my vote for goal of the season.
For the last twenty minutes of the half it was all United, with Adam Browne and Zane Liles linking up well in midfield, and Ben Crew and Seery driving at their defence. However, we failed to be clinical in the final third, a phrase that would come to sum up our day.
Half-Time: Hartlepool Pools Youth FC Seniors 1 - 1 Durham United
***
After a motivating half time team talk, the lads were raring to go in the second half, and we came out of the blocks quickly. Good link up between Seery, Crew and Pearson set up early half chances in the second period.
We lost Browne early to injury, who is still yet to complete a full 90 in his new state of the art boots. On in his place came the dangerous Walton, powered by a Maccies and a can of Monster, who caused the Hartlepool defenders a lot of problems.
O’Neill came on in the only other change, providing a commanding performance in the middle of the park, later comparing himself to Philipp Lahm...
As we pressed on later into second half, chances came and went for United, with Boothroyd, Pearson and Seery all testing the keeper. The pick of the chances came for Lant, who narrowly guided a volley wide from inside the box. At the other end, Lant and Wild let very little through in what was a very solid performance at the back.
In the final five minutes, Hartlepool sent a ball into the United box, which ended up at the feet of their striker about 12 yards out. His quick shot deflected off the leg of a United defender, and looked to be heading into the top corner.
However, Dixon pulled off an exquisite reflex save, tipping the ball onto the bar, keeping the scoreline all square; the best save I can remember seeing in person.
The full time whistle was a sorry sound for United who felt like they could’ve gone home with more. Although, if not for Dixon’s late heroics, we could’ve easily walked away with nothing. A good point on the road nonetheless, and the lads will keep building on this going into next week.
Player of the Match went to Chris Seery because, as well as causing constant problems all game, if you score a goal that good and don't get rewarded for it, then something's gone wrong.
Full-Time: Hartlepool Pools Youth FC Seniors 1 - 1 Durham United
***
Player of the Match: Chris Seery
Line-Up: Patrick Dixon; Freddy Alcock; Morgan Lant; Chris Wild; Sam Benoist; Adam Browne; Chris Seery (Goal); Tom Boothroyd; Ben Pearson; Zane Liles; Ben Crew
Substitutes: Freddie Walton; Ossie O'Neill; Seb Hopkins; Oli WIlliams
***
Comments