U16 UFCA 25/26 - Hartlepool United

Match Report: Hartlepool United 3–0 UFCA U16s

A real wake-up call today against a very physical and well-organised Hartlepool side who, to be fair, should probably be higher up the table.

We started well and created the better chances in the first half but we were a bit sloppy in the final third, so 0–0 at halftime.

The second half began strongly again with some bug chances to take the lead, but we couldn’t convert. Hartlepool then scored against the run of play with about 20 minutes left. As we pushed to equalise, we switched to a 3-5-2 formation to get more bodies forward, which opened the game up and led to two late goals on the counter.

The 3–0 scoreline doesn’t reflect the overall performance, but it’s our first loss of the season in the league — and maybe it’s better it happened now rather than later. What matters most is how we respond. From now on, we need to show a positive reaction, be more clinical, and treat every game like a final.