Young Pools secured an impressive 4-3 away victory over I2I Academy in a seven-goal thriller in the Durham U21 Midweek League.

A brace from Ashton Wood alongside goals from Owen Kingsland and Matty Taylor were enough to seal victory at Coach Lane.

The game’s first goal arrived after just eight minutes, when Wood won a free-kick on the edge of the box before superbly converting into the bottom left corner from 20 yards.

Just 12 minutes later, Pools doubled their advantage when Owen Kingsland’s deflected effort rolled across the line.

I21 reduced the deficit on the half-hour mark, but Pools quickly restored their two-goal advantage when Wood coolly dispatched his penalty to grab his second of the match.

After the break, Pools started the second half brightly when JJ Jolaoso jinked his way towards the edge of the box, but for a last-ditch block, his curling effort was heading toward the top corner.

The game then took another dramatic twist when the hosts drew level on 56 minutes.

Pools regained focus and added their fourth of the evening, which proved decisive through substitute Taylor, who arrived at the back post to tuck the ball home and secure a memorable victory.

HUFC U21’s: Wood, Daines, Basiru, Cuggy, Standing, Bramley, Jolaoso, Wood, Kingsland, Coxon, Swan

Substitutes: Taylor, Aungiers, Khrystenko, Harrison, Rukin, Henderson.