Fifteen-year-old forward Dylan Hartley scored a perfect hat-trick as Doncaster Rovers defeated Notts County 3-1 on Saturday, with lead professional development coach Ryan Cresswell praising the youngster's performance.
Hartley, who has been playing up an age group, started the match through the middle before switching to the left wing, where he continued to create threats that led to his three goals. He was one of just two 15-year-olds who started the game.
Cresswell said of Hartley's display: "I'm chuffed to bits for the lad, you've all seen today what I know is in his locker – goals, end product, willingness to run and ultimately his attitude to do everything he can for the team."
The coach highlighted Hartley's versatility across the front three as a key part of his development. "He can play anywhere across the front three. I always feel like he's a goal threat and his numbers don't lie," Cresswell added.
Spence Steps Up at Right-Back
Fellow 15-year-old Oscar Spence also made an impression, completing a full 90 minutes at right-back following Liam Potts' loan move to Retford. Spence had already featured in a previous match at Salford before Saturday's win.
Cresswell said: "Oscar's done really well again. It opens up an opportunity for the next in line, which is the under-16s and Oscar Spence. I've spoken to him about what I want from him in and out of possession. He listens, he puts it into practice, and he's got his just rewards today. I thought he had a really solid game."
Second-Half Improvement
Rovers' strong second-half performance came after Cresswell demanded more from his midfield trio of Ethan Hodgett, Josh Butler and Bobby Harpham. The coach said: "I demanded more from our midfield three, they came out second-half with a point to prove. We found ourselves in pockets, creating overloads, getting down the sides and creating chances."
