Academy beat Hartlepool in local derby
By Ray Simpson
Good 4-1 win
Northallerton Town played host to a local derby against Hartlepool United for our academy side this afternoon and the expectant crowd were treated to some excellent goals from the Darlington boys.
The team had to show some resolve in the early stages after a lapse in concentration allowed the visitors to take an early lead. Just before the interval however, the hosts responded with a superb goal. Marsden delivered a sumptuous ball into the box for the Man of the Match McLoughlin to glance home from 8 yards out.
The second half began much brighter for Darlo with both wide players enjoying time and space on the ball. It was our number 9 who gave Darlo the lead on the hour mark with a typically powerful finish. Cutting in from the left, Hewitt smashed the ball beyond the keeper with a strike that was considerably better than the dismal knee slide celebration that followed!
Two soon became three with a bit of magic from Scotter. Hodgson's set pieces were on the money all day and a deep corner found Scotter free at the back post to acrobatically volley home for the boys in black and white.
The victory was then sealed from another Hodgson corner as the imperious Rudd rose highest to nod home and seal a brilliant victory for Darlington.
Sitting comfortably in the top half of Division I in the National League Academy Alliance structure, the lads will be hoping to close the gap to 5th placed Farsley next week as they travel to West Yorkshire looking to build on today's great display.
