FC Hartlepool Beat Redcar Town on Non-League Day
Comeback victory at Grayfields in front of 158 supporters keeps playoff push alive
FC Hartlepool delivered a composed and resilient performance to come from behind and secure a 2–1 victory over Redcar Town at Grayfields, in front of a crowd of 158 on National Non-League Day.
The visitors made the brighter start and took the lead inside nine minutes. Connor Smith capitalised on a high turnover before unleashing a superb strike into the top corner to give Redcar an early advantage.
FC responded with intent and gradually took control of the game. The equaliser arrived on 24 minutes, Joe Spalding stepping up to fire home from the edge of the box after a defensive mix-up.
With momentum shifting, FC struck again just before the break. On 43 minutes, debutant Liam Appleby showed composure beyond his short time at the club, running clear and lifting a calm finish over the goalkeeper to give FC the lead.
The second half was a competitive battle, with Redcar pushing for a way back into the game. FC remained disciplined and organised, and when called upon, Harry Carr produced a crucial late save to deny the visitors and secure all three points.
The result ends FC’s winless run and strengthens their push towards the playoff places, while Redcar suffer only their second away defeat of the season.
MATCH SUMMERY
FC Hartlepool 2–1 Redcar Town
🏟️ Attendance: 158
⚽ 9’ – Smith (Redcar Town)
⚽ 24’ – Spalding (FC Hartlepool)
⚽ 43’ – Appleby (FC Hartlepool)
Line-Ups
FC Hartlepool:
H Carr, J Rowbotham, J Daley, S Close, S Cook, J Spalding, L Green, N Bayes, L Appleby, S Davison, T Gavin
Substitutes:
H Pilkington (90+3’ for Spalding)
F Smith (80’ for Davison)
A Wood (77’ for Cook)
W Coxon, L Newall
Redcar Town:
W Cowey, C Wilson (M Garbutt 72), A Medcalf, J Taylor, J Bennett, C Gott, M Abdullahi (A Bruton 75), J Duffield (J Harrison 34), M Carmichael, C Smith (C Thornton 76), L Porritt (K Stares 61)
Substitutes:
A Bruton, C Thornton, J Harrison, K Stares, M Garbutt
⭐ IGOMove Man of the Match
Liam Appleby
A debut to remember. A constant threat throughout and capped it with the winning goal — a real statement performance.
Man of the Match – Sponsored By Igomove
🔴🔵 Thank You for Your Support
A fantastic day at Grayfields celebrating National Non-League Day.
Thank you to the 158 supporters who came down and backed the lads — your support makes the difference.
NEXT UP
FC now turn their attention to Good Friday’s Easter Groundhop fixture at Grayfields, where Seaham Red Star visit in another huge playoff clash.
