Young Pools goalkeeper Josh Mazfari has enjoyed great experience so far this season while on loan at Northern League Division One side, Redcar Athletic.
The 20-year-old joined Pools in September 2023 and spent last season on loan at Shildon, reaching the Northern League Division One play-offs.
This season, Mazfari has linked up with Redcar Athletic and kept 14 clean sheets so far from 31 appearances.
The goalkeeper has missed just one league game through injury, with Redcar sitting second in the table despite having a game in hand which could see them top.
“It’s been great for me personally,” explained Mazfari.
“I’ve been able to dip between the physicality of the Northern League by playing every week, to gaining experience while still training with the Pools first team.
“That’s given me great exposure to different sides of the game and I feel as though it’s helping me in maximising my potential.
“The season started excellent for ourselves at Redcar, we managed to get several wins on the board.
“Our form hasn’t been particularly great recently with us being knocked out of the FA Vase, but that’s something we can take in and learn from.
“Our aim is to win the Northern League title – it’s really close at the moment. It’s a great experience being able to compete in that sort of environment and playing every week.
“It’s nice to have picked up quite a few clean sheets as well, hopefully we can have a good second half to the season.”
While back at Maiden Castle, Mazfari has been able to work on a daily-basis with Hartlepool’s first team shot-stoppers.
“Training has been fantastic,” he added.
“I enjoyed working with Paul Woolston and since Adam has stepped up, he’s carried on the excellent work.
“Being able to work with Adam, Joel Dixon and Brad Young is a pleasure. They’re all great keepers and fantastic people to be around.
“They’ve all had different routes in football and had different experiences in the game, so being able to learn from them is excellent for myself.
“We’re constantly working hard in training and pushing each other, and I think the goalkeeping performances this season show that.”
Image by Chris Whiles
