Hartlepool Reserves Thumped In Opening Game

Hartlepool Reserves were comprehensively beaten by Chesterfield in the opening game of the Central League season.

A young Pools XI lined up against the Spirites at Billingham Town but were on the back foot early on as Craig Westcarr, Jacob Hazel and Scott Boden went close to opening the scoring for the visitors.

Chesterfield took the lead just before the half time interval when Boden collected the ball at the edge of the area, turned and fired past Adam McHugh in the Pools goal.

That lead was doubled soon after the start of the second half when Mark Randall volleyed past substitute keeper Dominic Scott.

Despite boasting several players with first team experience, including Jordan Richards, Paul Johnson, Darren Holden, Nathan Luscombe and Luke James, Pools were outplayed by their opponents, who added a third on the 60 minute mark.

Goalkeeper Scott allowed a low strike by Hazel to find its way under his body before the midfielder grabbed his second of the game with a powerful effort, allowing the visitors to coast towards a comprehensive win.

FT: Hartlepool Reserves 0 Chesterfield Reserves 4

Hartlepool: McHugh (Scott 46), Richards, Johnson, Rowbotham, Holden, Orenuga, Wright (Wignall 46), Hawkins, Luscombe, James, Rutherford (Hedley 73).
Subs not used: Brown, Jones.

Chesterfield: O'Donnell, Darikwa, Waddle, Broadhead, Whitaker, Randall, Wafula, Clay, Westcarr, Boden, Hazel.
Subs not used: Clarke, Slack, Hewitt, Sculls, Mason.

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