06/09/2026
Marton Yellows 3–1 FC Hartlepool Rockets
The season opener saw Marton Yellows come away with the points, but there were plenty of positives for the Rockets to take from their return to the Blue Division.
The first half was a real stalemate, with both sides cancelling each other out. Not through a lack of effort though.
Jaron and Bowsh worked tirelessly up and down their respective wings, creating opportunities and looking to link with the central players.
Frank worked hard to find space up top and came agonisingly close with a 20-yard strike, forcing an excellent save from the Marton keeper.
Zachary was absolutely everywhere, pressing relentlessly and refusing to give the opposition a moment's peace.
Hector kept things simple, moving the ball well while always looking for that difficult pass to launch a counter.
Ezrai was steady at the back, looking to build from deep before moving up top in the second half, where he used his physicality well against the Marton defence.
Teddy, used in a number of positions, was tenacious in the tackle and always looking to play forwards.
Skipper River was aggressive in everything he did, constantly demanding the ball, taking players on and driving us up the pitch.
And once again, Reilly produced some quality saves and showed great composure with the ball at his feet.
⚡ SECOND HALF
The second half brought the action.
A few positional changes saw the Rockets threaten early, with Ezrai flashing a shot narrowly past the post. Marton responded almost instantly, finding the breakthrough and then adding a second quickly after, Marton looked to be in control of the tie until an additional man was added to the midfield.
The rockets responded to the set back well.
A Frankie effort was well saved, with the ball falling perfectly to Bowsh, who rifled it into the top corner with his not so weaker left foot 🚀
A brilliant moment — and Bowsh's first league goal since making the transition from goalkeeper to outfield player. What a way to open his account! 🔥
The goal gave the Rockets a huge lift and brought them right back into the contest.
Marton remained dangerous and could have added more, but some excellent defensive work and critical saves kept the Rockets in the game.
As the match wore on, Zachary and River began to find the aggression and intensity needed to create opportunities for the attackers. The final ball just wasn't quite there to produce that clear-cut chance.
In the closing moments, Marton broke on the counter and made no mistake, sealing a 3–1 victory.
⭐ MOTM — RIVER SULLIVAN
The Skipper was chosen by the opposition as their Man of the Match for his relentless work rate, ability on the ball and desire to win it back at all costs.
Well done, Skip! 👏
Not the result the Rockets were hoping for on their return to the Blue Division, but there is plenty here to learn from, build on and improve.
UTR! 🚀
Pirtek Cleveland
J Wilson Joinery
Jan and Toms
