Young Pools progress in the FA Youth Cup in dramatic style, winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw against Marine AFC at Horden Welfare Park. 

Pools dominated possession in the first half but were unable to create a real clear-cut chance. Joe Rukin and Joe Woollett came closest to opening the scoring, but Marine keeper Joe Manley made two saves to keep the tie level. 

Luis McCoy’s side made a quick start after the break. Abiola Azeez cut the ball back to Maxi Ellis, the winger’s shot trickled past Manley and into the corner to put Pools ahead. 

Pools looked like they were closing in on victory until the 90th minute, when Jamie Simpson’s looping header from a long ball into the area levelled the tie.

The tie headed to penalties and Hood proved to be the hero. The goalkeeper first made a great save with his feet before producing an outstanding stop to tip the ball onto the crossbar. Hood then kept his nerve and stepped up to convert Pools’ third spot-kick. 

Substitute Alfie Swift booked Pools’ place in the next round when he smashed his spot-kick straight down the middle. 

HUFC XI: Hood, Dunn, Cairns, Standing, Azeez, Spark ©, Raitt, Woollett, Garland, Ellis, Rukin 

Substitutions: Ogle, Taylor, Khrystenko, Swift, Cooke, Williams, Harrison.