Railway lose out to Hartlepool

Lee Ashforth took charge of Harrogate Railway for the first time during the 2-0 defeat to Hartlepool United at Station View.

An early goal from Lewis Hawkins followed by a composed second half finish from Scott Fenwick was enough for Ronnie Moore’s League Two side to record a 2-0 win and the visitors’ second pre-season win in as many days.

Hartlepool opened the scoring within the first ten minutes, after a promising Rail attack had come to nothing, Hawkins showed great athleticism as he powered his way through the defence and unleashed a powerful strike into the back of the net.

With just over 30 minutes gone Harrogate came close to equalising again as Lee Redmond latched on to a wayward back pass, but unfortunately Railway’s number seven couldn’t find the target.

Both sides made multiple changes at the half with ex-Leeds United striker Billy Paynter entering the fray for the visitors. Paynter’s introduction meant Tom Goodwin was immediately called into action as the Railway ‘keeper got down brilliantly to deny the striker’s goal-bound attempt.

As the second half progressed, Railway were limiting the visitors to long range strikes with Goodwin making a series of impressive saves from Paynter and trialist Johnny Giles.

Ronnie Moore’s men did eventually double their lead deep into the second half when Scott Fenwick was released in behind Harrogate’s defence before coolly lifting the ball over the head of the fast approaching Goodwin.

Harrogate Railway: Goodwin, Parkes, Hunter, Wood, Mycoe, Thirkell, Redmond, Stockdill, Barrett, Frankland, Bromley. Subs: Jones, Outerbridge, Beaston, Kidd, Sharrocks, Clamp, Dhesi, Lynn, Fogarty.
Hartlepool XI (first half): Carson, Richards, Bates, Nearney, Oyenuga, Featherstone, Carroll, Hawkins, Walker, Bingham, Smith.
Hartlepool XI (second half): Bartlett, Duckworth, Worley (Nearney 82), Parnaby, Green, Bell, Nelson-Addy, Dawson (Skidmore 66 (Blackford 76)), Giles, Fenwick, Paynter
Referee: M. Sowerby