Town’s under-18s made a long trip to Blackhall Colliery to face Hartlepool on Saturday and left with a 1-0 win.

The Mariners started the game well with Edwin Eseel causing the opposition problems in attacking areas while Alex Markham and Henry Moore were solid at the back against a Hartlepool team who have just eight points to their name in this year’s Youth Alliance.

Despite having possession and opportunities, Town lacked a cutting edge to finish the chances with both Moore and Markham going close without scoring.

Coming out for the second half with the deadlock yet to be broken, the Mariners started with more energy with a higher press forcing errors and creating more chances.

Cameron Gardner hit the bar as Town ramped up the pressure with Essel and Harry Milner seeing further efforts saved.

Then, forward Essel thought he had opened the scoring. Winning a header from a corner, his effort found the net but he saw it ruled out. Minutes later, though, Moore followed suit and found the net from a corner – this time, the Mariners saw the goal awarded.

Stern defence kept Hartlepool at bay with the hosts restricted to long range efforts and Town were able to see out the 1-0 win.

The Mariners’ next match is a game against local rivals Scunthorpe United on Tuesday.

UTM