A pulsating eight-goal thriller unfolded at the LNER Community Stadium, where York City edged out a spirited Hartlepool United 5-3. The Minstermen seized control in the first half, establishing a two-goal advantage. The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Harrison Male’s pinpoint delivery found Ollie Pearce, who expertly finished. Just before the break, Alex Hunt doubled York’s lead, ensuring they entered half-time in a commanding position.
Hartlepool responded early in the second half, injecting renewed hope into the contest. Luke Charman’s assist allowed David Ferguson to pull a goal back, narrowing the deficit and setting the stage for a frenetic final period. York, however, were quick to retaliate. Substitute Ashley Nathaniel-George made an immediate impact, restoring the two-goal cushion after being set up by Adam Crookes. The game then appeared to swing decisively in York’s favour when fellow substitute Dipo Akinyemi extended their lead to 4-1, with Hunt claiming his second assist of the afternoon.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable deficit, Hartlepool refused to lie down. Luke Charman netted his second, igniting a late flicker of hope for the visitors. In the 94th minute, Ollie Pearce converted a penalty to seemingly seal the victory for York, completing his brace and making the score 5-2. However, the drama wasn’t over. Emmanuel Dieseruvwe, assisted by Ferguson, found the net for Hartlepool in the 96th minute, bringing the final score to a thrilling 5-3. While York’s substitutes, Nathaniel-George and Akinyemi, proved crucial in securing the win, the final moments highlighted Hartlepool’s resilience.