Darlington under 23s maintained their 100 per cent record in the Wearside League Second Division when they thumped Jarrow Reserves 7-0 on Saturday.

Matthiew Kiro, who scored a hat trick on the opening day against Easington, scored another first half hat trick on Saturday as Jarrow struggled with the Darlington forwards, and his strike partner Jack Mortimer, scored four.

Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; “It was a fantastic display from the team.

“Matthiew and Jack Mortimer had the bit between their teeth and were on it from the start.  The team pressed high with intensity and their patterns of play and range of passing were on point.

“I was really pleased with the result and performance, hopefully they can repeat that throughout a very busy month.”

It was back to league action after a two week break since the 2-0 win Sunderland RCA. This time back on home soil with two notable and hungry returnees, Jack Mortimer and Matthiew Kiro while the rest of the squad remained unchanged. New signing Thomas Martin appeared on the bench. 

 The boys got started quickly. Jarrow Reserves came out the blocks and showed they’re a genuine footballing side, wanting to play good football out from the back. The boys had to press hard and Kiro didn’t take long to bag a goal on his return just 10 minutes in with a half volley into the top corner. 

Mortimer also on his return fancied a piece of the action as he and Kiro continued to combine well up front. A fantastic through ball from Owen Harvey broke the lines and Jack ran through to slot his first of the game just 7 minutes later. Maddison and Sparrow continued to dominate the midfield and Kiro doubled his tally to get the boys 3-0 up on the 30-minute mark. 

 Jarrow continued to play smart football out from the back and so the boys had to stay hot on the press, a great toe poke in midfield from Sparrow got the ball to Kiro who played the one-two off Mortimer and finished well for his second hat trick of the season. Mortimer bagged his second right on the cusp of half time and the boys went in 5-0 up. 

 The message at half time from manager Grant Cuthbertson, was clear, more of the same, keep working hard. The boys did exactly that with a couple halftime changes with Kiro and Harry Butters going off, Stevie Dawson and Alfie Fawcett coming on. The energy did not dip with Jack Mortimer scoring a quick fire double to give himself four for the day. If not for some amazing saves from the keeper it could’ve been double figures. The game ended 7-0 and the boys were deserved winners.

Starting Line-Up: 
Liam Mason, Owen Smith, Owen Harvey, Thomas Southwood, Oliver Walters, Will Maddison, Toby Sparrow, Ethan Cuthbertson, Harry Butters, Mathiew Kiro, Jack Mortimer.

 Subs: Dylan Jackson, Zach Pearn, Jayden Sakete, Alfie Robinson, Stevie Dawson, Alfie Fawcett, Thomas Martin 

The reserves next game is at home to Consett Blackfyne on Wednesday at Eastbourne, kick off 7pm.