Pools goalkeeper Josh Mazfari, on loan at Redcar Athletic, claimed an important win at the weekend in the Steelmen’s quest for the Northern League title.
The shot-stopper won the Man of the Match award in midweek as Redcar bowed out the North Riding Senior Cup at the semi-final stage.
The Steelmen suffered a 2-0 defeat to Scarborough Athletic, though Mazfari impressed with several key saves against a side three leagues higher.
Returning to league action on Saturday, Redcar claimed a 2-0 victory over Penrith to send the Steelmen six points clear with four games to go – though second placed Shildon have a game in hand.
It was Mazfari’s 24th clean sheet of the season for Carl Jarrett’s side.
Manny Onariase played 90 minutes on Saturday as the Pools defender helped Maidenhead United claim a point against play-off chasing Rochdale.
Rochdale took the lead early but a second-half goal from former Hartlepool winger Brendan Kiernan meant the points were shared at York Road.
Maidenhead sit 22nd in the National League table, two points from safety with seven games to go.
In the Northern Premier League Premier Division, Academy midfielder Joe Aungiers was left as an used substitute as Whitby Town suffered a 4-3 defeat at Mickleover.
That defeat leaves Gary Liddle’s side 18th in the table, one point above the drop zone with a game in hand.
In the East Division, Alfie Steel’s Ossett United dropped to 15th in the table after a 3-1 defeat at Carlton Town.
The striker was subbed on around the hour mark, with Ossett 2-1 down, and couldn’t help the Sheepicorns rescue a point at the Bill Stokeld Stadium.
And finally, Max Storey was in action twice for West Auckland Town this week.
With their management team departing days prior, West Auckland showed a spirited display but fell to a 2-1 defeat at Shildon on Tuesday night.
Adam Lennox scored with six minutes to play to defeat Storey’s side in the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup quarter finals.
West Auckland again faced Shildon on Saturday, this time at home in Northern League action.
Storey came off after 72 minutes as his side suffered a 4-3 defeat in an end-to-end game.
Academy midfielder Charlie Berry, meanwhile, has returned to the Prestige Group Stadium after being recalled from his loan at West Auckland.
Images: Chris Whiles, Darren Woolly, Keith Wood
