WELCOME TO RACA

Report

FT: FC Hartlepool 1 RACA 1

Albion produced a vastly improved display to earn a deserved point at Grayfields – the club’s first ever at FC Hartlepool’s home ground. Louis Calvert gave Ryton a deserved lead with a fine finish after 18 minutes following a dominant first-half performance. However, Matty Lovett levelled on 36 minutes with an effort that crept in off the inside of the post. The hosts were much improved after the interval but couldn’t find a winner as the points were shared.

Match Report

Albion travelled to Grayfields knowing they needed a significant improvement on Saturday’s display if they were to take anything from FC Hartlepool, having lost on each of their previous three visits. On a pleasant evening for football, a RACA side showing five changes from the weekend produced exactly the response required.

Despite a shortage of clear-cut chances in the opening stages, Albion controlled possession and moved the ball confidently. Their superiority was rewarded after 18 minutes when a hopeful ball forward from the returning Aaron Costello wasn’t dealt with by Scott Close, allowing Louis Calvert to nip in ahead of the defender before firing low past Logan Douglas from the edge of the penalty area.

Ryton nearly doubled their lead six minutes later. Glenn Caygill rose highest to meet a corner with a powerful downward header that Douglas did well to parry before the loose ball was hacked clear from a crowded six-yard box.

Hartlepool’s first meaningful effort arrived on 27 minutes when Jordan Fielding found Mikey McGee on the edge of the area. The forward turned his marker before drilling a shot narrowly wide of the far post.

Albion responded on the half-hour. Ethan Bewley’s pass released Costello, whose drive from a tight angle was well saved by Douglas at his near post. Costello then went close again five minutes later, heading Scott Oldfield’s cross just wide.

The hosts drew level shortly afterwards. Jake Stott’s long throw was flicked on by both McGee and Fielding before Matty Lovett reacted quickest to scoop the ball goalwards. His effort struck the inside of the post before bouncing over the line to make it 1-1.

HT: FC Hartlepool 1 RACA 1

Having been second best before the break, Hartlepool emerged with greater purpose in the second half and enjoyed the better of the play.

Tom Gavin came close on 56 minutes with a powerful strike from distance that flew just over the crossbar, while a flowing move involving substitutes Liam Appleby, Will Coxon and Olly Burrows seven minutes later caused a moment of panic in the Albion penalty area before Ryton’s defence stood firm to clear the danger.

Albion’s best opportunity of the second half came on 79 minutes when Dylan Lawson embarked on a determined run into the box, only for Douglas to smother his effort.

Hartlepool pressed for a winner during the closing stages and created one or two nervy moments, but Albion defended resolutely to secure a thoroughly deserved point and their first ever result at Grayfields.

FT: FC Hartlepool 1 RACA 1

RACA: Corkhill, Beesley, Oldfield, Lynch (Bell 66), Caygill, Hayton, Lawson, Hutchinson, Calvert (Atkinson 90+1), Bewley (Grieveson), Costello (Elliott 55). Substitute not used: Fletcher.