On 30th November 1963, local boy Terry Francis wrote himself into the history books when he became only the second player to score a hat-trick on his Football League debut for Hartlepools United. His strikes came in a 4-2 home win against Bradford Park Avenue, one of the few bright spots in a season of struggle for the club. Unfortunately for Francis, his great start never devleoped into a regular supply of goals. He failed to score again that season and, after managing just one in his five games in 1964/65, dropped into non-league football.