Consett Under 17s 2 Darlington Under 17s 9

Darlington U17s travelled to Consett on Sunday afternoon, and came away 9-2 winners. A fantastic team performance. (writes Adam Wilsher)

Brandon Morrison, who is an U16, took an opportunity to play U17 football had this to say about a very well taken hat trick;

‘It was brilliant to play for Darlington u17s against Consett and score a hat trick. To play a year above yourself and do this gives you a great feeling and a boost of confidence. The team played very well and each week more and more chemistry is being build. Massive thanks to the club and what they’re offering. They’re giving many young individuals chances that come very rarely. It wouldn’t be possible without the hard work the coaches put in behind the scenes.

Massive thanks’

Well done Brandon and keep working hard

Darlington Quakers u8’s win 7-0

Report by Bradley Blythe

The Quakers started the game on the front foot with lots of chances pressing forward with a start from Jack Parry up front.

An own goal deflected in from a corner opened the scoring after much pressure from the boys.

Many drives from Zach Reeve on the left even bagging himself 2 goals.

Miller Shield did some good runs down the right with some excellent pinpoint passes.

Apo Bakan was a wall in defence with even a few near misses from free kicks and an excellent battling dribble setting Jack up for a goal.

Oppositions m.o.m Jack Parry got another goal after a brilliant lay off by Alfie Glancey playing on the wing.

Travis Harrison was on fire, battling hard and hungry for the ball, scoring one but could have been many more and truly deserved his coach m.o.m.

The second half saw some more chances from N&S Ambers but nothing Benjamin Williams couldn't handle - keeping another clean sheet... Alfie worked tirelessly up and down the pitch helping his team mates unfortunately not finding the back of the net himself.

Another own goal finished the scoreline to a tidy 7. Could have easily ended up in double figures any other day but an excellent 3rd win in a row... well done all the boys.

Newton Aycliffe 2 Darlington Under 13s 7

Report by Mikey Weston

Darlington took on Aycliffe on a cold Sunday morning,

Darlington new this was a must win game and needed 3 points and started like a steam train when Jojo Crumpton hammered home from 12 yards out,

Darlington should have been 2 up but Jaymo headed just wide & hit the bar just after,

Then Darlo did get their 2nd from a Josh Gibson corner which led to Chris Walters hitting home 2-0,

Darlo had total control of the game after 15 minutes when josh Gibson got in on the act to make it 3-0, man of the match Benjamin Rodker got his goal when he followed up another Josh Gibson corner to make it 4-0,

Then Darlo got another before half time Nathan Dybell dribbled home to make it 5-0,

Half time 5-0

2nd half was just more of the same when Milo fired home from 20 yards out which flew past the stand in goal keeper 6-0,

Aycliffe did pull 2 goals back 6-2, but the drama didn’t stop there the referee pulled his knee resulting in Mikey Weston taking to the field for the final 10 minutes and was outstanding, and to round a fantastic display Jaymo finished of the scoring to make it 7-2,

Some good football

Mom Benjarmin Rodker

Referee 100%

Darlington Under 18s 6 Newcastle Benfield 1

Match report by Gavin Farr

Darlington welcomed Newcastle Benfield a fixture in which both teams gave younger players a start. Darlington started quick, moving the ball well and using the pace of our front men. Luke Jenkinson closed down the Newcastle defenders tirelessly, causing them to make mistakes. After a nice passage of play Gee ghosted past two players on the left wing played the ball to Ryan Noon who cut inside from the corner of the 18yrd box and curled a shot into the top corner 1-0. Newcastle continued to press but our midfield 2 of James and Jake stood strong, after continued pressure the ball was cut back across the Newcastle box where Luke was to side foot his first of the game in to the bottom corner 2-0.

HT

Both teams started the 2nd half fast but the final ball not being accurate for either team, Darlington tried to keep possession and played out from the back Newcastle pressed and won the ball after a few missed tackles the ball was put in to the bottom corner 2-1. Darlington were encouraged to keep possession and began to find their rhythm, a neat passage of play saw the ball tucked away in the bottom corner by Luke 3-1. Composed defending and constant pressure led to a corner which was whipped in by Jordan and met by Ryan with a glancing header making it 4-1. Fresh legs were introduced to Darlington's team, Johnson picked the ball up in midfield and drove at the Newcastle defence curling a lovely shot in to the bottom corner 5-1. Darlington continued to keep possession and found gaps in a now tiring Newcastle, Luke made another run in behind the defence and was found with a good through ball, he drove to the near post drawing the keeper in and unselfishly played the ball back for Johnson to tap in to an open net 6-1.

A good team performance against a strong physical Newcastle side, well done lads.

Spennymoor Under 14s 1 Darlo Quakers u14s 2

Steve Cotterill

Darlington travelled to Spennymoor for a difficult league fixture and fell behind after 10 min great finish from the Spenny striker who found himself unmarked in the Darlo area . Darlo pushed on but were pressed well by a determined Spenny team but finally found an equaliser when Matty Callender’s corner was missed by everyone and Frankie Whealan tapped in at the back post

HT 1-1

Darlo came out the stronger in the second half and started creating chances man of the match Matty Callender going close and they finally found the breakthrough great work from Connor Brown who beat 2 defenders before putting in a great cross which found Cieran Dixon who finished well for what proved to be the winner .

Darlington U-15s Feethams 3  Spraire Lads 2

We welcomed local rivals Spraire Lads to Eastbourne. Just a few weeks ago both teams had played a great game which unfortunately we eventually lost by a single goal. Things started as expected, both teams battling for possession and trying to impose themselves on their opponents. Clear cut chances though were few and far between, the visitors keeping a close watch on Liam Wynn, one half of the recently potent strike force. Neither keeper had a lot to do as both defences held tight, Ollie Johnson going closest for Darlington with a right foot effort from a tight angle. Liam Wynn also went close, making the ‘keeper work with a right footed volley. So in stark contrast to the reverse fixture, at half time it remained goal-less.

The second half kicked off with the hosts just beginning to shade exchanges. A couple of corners were won consecutively, Liam Wynn firing in dangerous balls. The second such ball finally broke the deadlock. A teasing corner from Liam found Kieran Bowers rising above everyone else to head into the bottom corner. Five minutes later another Liam Wynn corner found Tom Horner eight yards out to finish coolly with his left foot.

Spraire Lads were not going to lay down though and continued to pressure the back line, looking more likely to cause Bailey Proudlock - again deputising in goal - more problems than in the first half. With twenty minutes gone the advantage was reduced, the visitors’ main threat hitting a bullet of a low drive into the right hand corner from a 25 yard free kick. Game on again.

Liam Wynn nearly restored the two goal advantage hitting a superb left footed volley from around thirty five yards only to see it rattle the cross bar. Darlington were using their width with both wing backs more than they had done in the first half, with Kieran Longstaff seeing a lot more of the ball than he had previously. With fifteen or so minutes remaining Kieran cut inside into the box only to find himself brought down to win a penalty. With the usual penalty taker playing in goal Ollie Johnson stepped forward to take the kick. He struck the ball well but a little too close to the ‘keeper. The ‘keeper though failed to keep hold of the ball and Ollie was alert enough to race in and convert the rebound.

As previously the visitors were far from finished and a few minutes later their first goal scorer hit his second running in from the right and firing a low drive from inside the box. From the restart Liam Wynn hit an audacious shot from the centre spot which looked to be heading goalwards only for the keeper to catch the ball underneath the cross bar! With the final whistle in sight the lads wobbled a little inviting a little too much pressure on themselves but rode it out to the end and bag themselves another three points.

Another enthralling game to add to their previous encounter the two sides both battling in equal measures, again the home side were the victors and were successful by a single goal margin. We wish Spraire Lads all the best for the rest of the season after another great game against them.

Another battling performance from Darlington, grinding out the victory for the second week running.

[caption id="attachment_37520" align="alignnone" width="281"] Spencer Soakell[/caption]

Notable performances saw Dan Smith again leave nothing in the tank, fighting in the heart of midfield. Alex Mason and Kieran Bowers again impressive at the back. Luke Corr coming on as a sub in the second half and making two electrifying runs down the right flank also caught the eye. Liam Wynn also keeping the defence on their toes and Ollie Johnson finding the net for his seventh league goal. Man of the match though was awarded to Spencer Soakell, asked to play in the back three this week and not in his usual central midfield berth. A hugely energetic and impressive performance which would leave most thinking he played there all the time.

Looking forward to next week the lads are away to high flying South Park Rangers who currently lie second in the table with five wins from six games.

Peterlee U14's 3 Darlington Feethams U14's 3 (Darlo won 4-3 on penalties)

(1/4 Final League Cup)

Report by James Carverhill

The game kicked off with Peterlee pressing, but Feethams gained possession and a through ball to Blackham, who shot and hit the post. Blackham then went onto play a great cross for Hatton to slip the ball past the keeper. 0-1.

Peterlee pushed but the back four of Carvey, Johnson, Tweddle (c) and Pocock stood well with Johnson making a great block.

The half followed with:

Pocock playing a great through ball.

Kirk playing in Blackham, but getting cut out.

McCowie laying off Kirk.

All cut out.

At the other end Warburton made a magnificent save to deny a 1v1 and another from a corner, unfortunately Peterlee managed to pull one back 1-1

Half Time; Peterlee 1 Feethams 1

Second half was hectic.

Bruce was now covering the big CF with great effect, breaking down his runs, Harland and Blackham pressed their defensive line and finally payed off with a through ball from Skull to Blackham 1-2. Peterlee soon responded with a well taken header from a corner 2-2.With 10 minutes to go, an un-characteristic challenge by Tweddle in the box, gave away a penalty, Tweddle lay in the box gutted with the tackle.

Peterlee stepped up..... Warburton was inches away.... 3-2.

Gun-ho approach... Harland, Bruce, Tweddle in defence, 4 midfield, Simmi, Ruddick, Blackham up front.

3 minutes to go and pass after pass put into the box, Ruddick went on one of his runs, danced through the defence and was brought down, Penalty!! Blackham Stepped up.....3-3.

Final Score: Peterlee 3 Feethams 3

Penalty shoot out: 6 brave lads stepped forward:

Tweddle, Blackham, Ruddick, Hatton, Kirk, Simmi

Final Score: Peterlee 3 (3 penalties)

Feethams 3 (4 penalties)

We won 4-3 on penalties

Shirt sponsor: Ramside Hall Hotel

Warburton

Carvey Johnson Tweddle Pocock

McCowie

Kirk Hatton Skull Jackson

Blackham

Subs: Bell, Ruddick , Johnston, Harland, Bruce, Simmi

Sponsored by Ramside Hotel and Spa

Darlington under 12s 11 Shotton Colts 0

Match report by Jonny Kane

Unfortunately due to missing players Darlington did start with only 8 players with a couple running a little late.

Even with being a player down the lads started very well and brightly and had near enough all of the possession, all in the oppositions half. Soon were 1-0 up after a good shot from Will Gatiss was well saved from the keeper but on hand to tap in the rebound and get his first goal of the season was Kit Hodgson. Once our 9th player had arrived, stand in goalkeeper Preston Gredziak moved on into his more favoured position of striker.

It was soon 2-0 as the rare chance of the opposition was dealt with brilliantly by Tyler Rowden who the sent Will on his way to put the ball into the net. Will then got his 2nd of the game after a short goalkick from the keeper dropped to Finlay Tulips feet but bounced away and thankfully into the path of Wills run and him to finish neatly into the corner, 3-0. Preston Gradziak got his goal that his work rate deserved after a great through ball down the left hand side for him to run onto and curl the ball into the far corner, 4-0.

Preston then got his 2nd of the game after a great shot from Tyler was parried away right into the path of Preston to put the ball in, 5-0. A 6th goal was added just before half time as a well driven corner was put into the box from Tyler for will to score unmarked at the back post for him to get yet another hat-trick.

HT 6-0

Unfortunately at half time Darlington lost another 2 players as they had other commitments, so we were down to just 7. Thankfully Taylor Dunn was drafted in as yet another make shift goalkeeper and push Thomas Youngs into defence. They started brightly with Kit Hodgson doing well on the right hand side taking on 2 players and laying it off for Will to put inches wide. Straight afterwards Darlington were awarded a corner taken by Tyler who craftily hit the perfect spot for James Preston to get his head onto the end of it and hit the top corner to get his first of the season and Darlos 7th, 7-0.

Will gets his 4th of the game after taking on another 2 players on the edge of the box and neatly finishing, 8-0. An opposition corner led to an excellent counter attack led by Will you nicely puts in a fine through ball for Alex Walton to get onto the end of a place it into the bottom corner and get his 4th of the season, 9-0. A great goalkick from Tom Youngs that goes straight through the opposition midfield and defence and straight into the path of Kit for him to nicely take on the keeper and tap in for the 10th. The Final goal of the game came from defender James Preston after a free kick on the left hand side near the corner, was drifted in from Dom Stacey and James attacked the ball and powered it into the net.

FT 11-0

MOTM: Kit Hodgson: Had an excellent game on the right hand side and did everything he was asked to do and put in a brilliant shift going forwards and going back

Darlington FC Feethams play well away from home

Sponsored by MSG Dental

A difficult game for the Feethams playing against a strong an opposing team who we previously drew against 1-1 at home. New signing Nathan Maddison was watching from the bench waiting to make his debut for Darlington FC Feethams. Cena-Cole Priestley and Alfie Fenwick were both linking up well playing the ball around the opposing midfield only to be denied by their centre back. The first goal of the game came from the opposing centre back with a great long ranged strike flying past Reece Dixon into the top corner. A few minutes after the goal the Feethams were denied by a smart save from the opposing keeper, the Feethams looked confident on the ball and were able to play there normal football with Harry Bass and Josh Everett trying to play in strikers Alfie Fenwick and Cena-Cole Preistley. Our opponents won a corner after a great interception from Josh Everett, although the corner floated in and was tapped in from an unmarked  player. The Feethams players never dropped their heads, a few minutes past and the Feethams had a chance to make it 2-1 with Cena-Cole Priestley going down and the referee blowing for a penalty. Cena-Cole stepped up to take and hit it straight at the keeper but never gave up and followed the rebound and placed the ball across the goal into the left corner, 2-1. A great game to watch with both teams going for it, it was end to end stuff.The lads were pushing for that equaliser but unfortunately we’re caught out at the back after the opposing player managed to go through the back of Alfie Fenwick and scoring. 3-1 to our opponents. Last few minutes of the first half and new signing Nathan Maddison came on to make his debut, the Feethams looked like they wanted to get their second of the game committing players forward and trying their luck from range. The opposing defender played the ball back to their keeper who tried to pick the ball up but unfortunately the keeper didn’t manage to get a hold of the ball and it fell straight to Cena-Cole Priestley who tapped the ball in. The lads were buzzing before coming in for half time after getting that second goal.

3-2 Half Time

The second half kicked off and the Feethams looked like they were going to score the equaliser but a great save denied Harry Bass his first goal of the game. Our opponents were playing some great football, finding the space out wide which gave them the chance to dribble at our players, although defenders Alfie Fenwick and Josh Everett were strong at the back putting in some great tackles. A great run from Harry Bass as he made his way into the opposing box, he looked like he was about to shoot until the opposing defender went into the tackle and taking out Harry Bass. The referee awarded a free kick outside the box which Cena-Cole Priestley looked to shoot from although he unselfishly played the ball to Alfie Fenwick who took the shot first time which just passed the post. Unfortunately for Feethams, Our opponents scored their fourth of the game after some good passing starting from the back and a great finish from the striker. The Feethams never gave up and tried to get back into the game, 4 minutes after our opponents scored Cena-Cole Priestley completed his hat-trick after a great team goal, the ball starting at the back with Harry Bass played down the right hand side to Nathan Maddison who managed to pass the ball to Cena-Cole who megged two players before blasting the ball across the keeper with his left foot into the goal. Our opponents were straight onto the attack and it looked like they were going to score until keeper Reece Dixon made an unbelievable save with his face! Josh Everett made sure the ball was cleared out whilst Reece Dixon was on the floor in pain. Feethams came close to scoring the equaliser after great save from the opposing keeper who parried the ball out for a corner, the Feethams were chasing for an equaliser and looked like they were going to get it until getting caught out at the back and the opposing striker scored their fifth goal in the last minute of the game. An unfortunate loss for Feethams who looked like they matched the opposition although I was really pleased with how the players coped with the physicality aspect of the game and proved that they wouldn’t be pushed around by players bigger than them.

Man of the Match - Cena Cole Priestley