Reyes Cleary continued his fine form for Vanarama National League side Hartlepool United over the weekend, while six other academy graduates featured for their respective loan teams.
The forward scored in the 29th minute to put United in front against Ebbsfleet, playing the full 90 as the North East outfit edged a five-goal thriller 3-2 at the Prestige Group Stadium.
All three from today's win 🤩
Watch all National League matches and highlights only on DAZN - Sign up at https://t.co/N1fvfo4E6H | @DAZN_NationalLg pic.twitter.com/lwCY3rdw9p— Hartlepool United FC (@Official_HUFC) April 5, 2025
Cleary’s strike marked his fifth goal contribution in as many league games (four goals, one assist) - helping Anthony Limbrick’s side go unbeaten during this recent period and lifting them to 11th in the standings.
In Sky Bet League One, Caleb Taylor’s Wycombe Wanderers were dealt a blow in their pursuit of automatic promotion after losing 1-0 to Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday.
As usual, the towering centre-back started in the heart of defence and played the entirety of proceedings. Sadly for Wanderers, Harvey Knibbs’ spot-kick 13 minutes from time meant it ended in defeat for Taylor’s team in Berkshire.
Fellow automatic-chasers Wrexham winning over the weekend meant Mike Dodds’ third-placed Wycombe team are now six points off second spot with six games to go.
Goalkeeper Ted Cann also succumbed to fine margins on his second start for Forest Green Rovers, losing 2-1 to Wealdstone on the road.
Alex Reid's double cancelled out Jordan Garrick's opener for the visitors, with his second coming eight minutes from time to decide matters. But despite the disappointing outcome, Steve Cotterill's men remain well-placed to qualify for the play-off semi-finals next month with them currently sitting in third place.
Unchanged! 👊#WeAreFGR💚 pic.twitter.com/PaZFPQrJN7
— Forest Green Rovers (@FGRFC_Official) April 5, 2025
There were defeats in the National League North for young duo Matt Richards and Josh Shaw.
Left-sided defender Shaw came off the bench on 63 minutes but couldn’t help loan club Marine overturn their deficit against Scarborough, who ran out 4-1 winners in North Yorkshire.
Central midfielder Richards suffered the same fate, starting for Leamington at Peterborough Sports and playing 61 minutes of a 2-0 defeat.
Archie Kirton was also in the XI for Southern Premier Central Division Stourbridge on Saturday afternoon, but was on the losing side as they were defeated 3-1 away at AFC Sudbury.
And in the same league, Ronnie Hollingshead resumed his usual place between the sticks for Alvechurch, but like fellow youth colleague Kirton, couldn’t help his team to any points as the Church lost 2-0 on home soil to Royston Town.
