Daley Leads By Example - FC Hartlepool

DALO AT THE DOUBLE

NEWCASTLE UNI 1 - 2 FC HARTLEPOOL

FC Hartlepool Edge Newcastle University in Crucial Playoff Clash

Thursday 9th April 2026 | Northern League Division Two

FC Hartlepool kept their playoff hopes firmly alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away at Newcastle University, in a game that tested both discipline and character.

With results elsewhere going in their favour, FC knew the importance of the night — and delivered when it mattered most.

First Half: Daley Fires FC Ahead

FC continued to carry the greater attacking threat as the game progressed.

Liam Appleby again went close to doubling the lead as the match entered the final quarter, but this time he was denied by a strong save from Logan.

Newcastle University responded late on and found an equaliser with ten minutes remaining, as substitute Billy Murphy fired home his first goal of the season to bring the hosts level.

But FC responded immediately.

With the game on the line, Captain Josh Daley stepped up once more and delivered — firing home a second free kick on 87 minutes to restore FC’s lead and ultimately seal a crucial victory.

Second Half: Drama Late On

The second half saw a more even contest, with both sides battling for control in midfield. Newcastle University saw more of the ball, but FC remained dangerous on the break and continued to create the better chances.

Substitute Fin Smith made an immediate impact, coming close to doubling the lead with an effort tipped onto the bar following a quick counter-attack.

As the game entered the final stages, Newcastle University found an equaliser. A well-worked move down the left resulted in a low cross being turned home to make it 1-1 and set up a tense finish.

But FC responded in style. Just minutes later, Captain Josh Daley stepped up once again — this time from a free kick — and delivered a decisive moment, firing home to restore FC’s lead and ultimately secure all three points.

MATCH SUMMERY

NEWCASTLE UN 1 – 2 FC HARTLEPOOL
🏟️ Attendance: 54

⚽ 15′ – Daley (FC Hartlepool)

⚽ 80′ – Murphy (Newcastle Uni)

⚽ 88′ – Daley (FC Hartlepool

🟨 Yellow Cards: 2

🟥 Red Cards: 0

🏟️ Attendance: 54

Newcastle University fell to their sixth home league defeat of the season and remain 9th in the table.

For FC Hartlepool, it was a huge result — a seventh away league win of the campaign and a third consecutive league victory.

The win lifts FC into 5th place — the final playoff spot — on goal difference, keeping the promotion push firmly on track.

LINE UPS

Newcastle Uni:
R Logan, B Kirkman, E Keen, J Edgley, S Carr(c), H Davies, J Cleugh, L Cassidy, M Foster, J Storr, J Hayles

Substitutes:
B Murphy, (55′ for Foster) A Pow, C Rogonzinski, (86’on for Cassidy) J Manning, J Burgess

FC Hartlepool:
H Carr, L Nweall, O Burrows, T Gavin, S Close, J Daley(c), S Davison, L Green, N Bayes, L Appleby, J Spalding

Substitutes:
J Lamb, S Cook,(88′ on for Appleby) F Smith,(73′ on for Davison) C Young, X Hunt

⭐ IGOMove Man of the Match

Josh Daley

A captain’s performance from Josh Daley, leading by example with relentless energy, commitment, and quality when it mattered most

Two clinical free kicks proved the difference on the night, capping off a display full of effort and influence across the pitch.

Man of the Match – Sponsored By IgoMove