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Darlington FC U23s 3–3 FC Hartlepool Reserves
Our final game of what has been a very busy October, and arguably our poorest performance of the month.
The u23’s were sloppy, both in and out of possession and never really got going throughout the game.
However, when you are 3–1 up with 25 minutes remaining, they should have been able to see see the game out and take all three points.
Goals from Jack Mortimer, Connor Armstrong and Corbyn Mitchell put the U23s in a commanding position, but two costly defensive errors allowed FC Hartlepool back into the game and ultimately cost us the points.
Credit to FC Hartlepool, who are a very good side and have improved considerably since our previous meeting in August. They never gave up and took full advantage of our mistakes.
Manager John Walters said:“Before kick-off, we looked like a tired squad after a very busy October, and that showed in our slow start. We never really got going and, overall, it was a disappointing performance.
“However, when you score three goals and find yourself 3–1 up, you should be winning that game. We made some poor decisions defensively at key moments and were punished for them.
“Credit to FC Hartlepool, though. They kept going, showed great character and are a much-improved team.
“We now get back onto the training pitch, work on the areas that need improving and prepare ourselves for what promises to be another busy and tough November.”
But a great October with 3 wins and a draw has put us up to 4th in the league
