Billingham Synthonia Under 14s 0 Darlington Youth Under 14s 6

The Darlington FC Youth U14s travelled to Billingham Synthonia for an early kick off looking to extend their unbeaten run and further improve their impressive away record.

A gusty day, a small pitch and low crossbars all in place to test the boys!

The first half followed a similar pattern throughout, the visitors having the lion’s share of possession, the hosts struggling to get into the game. A similar scenario faced the Quakers as in previous matches, a keeper in fine form. Liam Wynn and Kieran Longstaff both having shots saved when spectators were almost mid celebration! Ollie Johnson also saw a shot flash past the far post before the deadlock was broken when Tom Horner latched on to a ball to skip past a defender’s lunge before tapping it calmly past the on-rushing keeper. So, despite their domination the lads went in at half time with only a slender lead.

The second half began in great fashion - for the visitors - Liam Wynn powering a left footed shot into the bottom corner. Minutes later Liam increased the lead with what a few of his teammates thought was a fortunate right footed lob from outside the box. Whether intended or not it gave Darlington the breathing space to relax and express themselves further. Next on the score sheet was Spencer Soakell making a tricky finish look easy guiding a waist high ball into the net. Kieran Longstaff yet again found the keeper performing heroics to deny him a deserved goal. Liam Wynn scored another right footer moments later placing beyond the keeper’s reach into the net.

With the game taking place almost solely in the hosts’ half Billingham were looking battered and defeated. A sixth came with ten minutes remaining, Liam Wynn grabbing his fourth goal smashing in from the edge of the box striking right through the ball with his left foot. A couple of minutes later Liam was brought down by a weary defender as he surged into the box. Liam though stepped aside following limited success from the penalty spot this season. Alex Mason stepped up confidently striking a right footed shot to the keeper’s left only to see a magnificent save from Billingham's star performer.

That was to be the last goal mouth action of the match, the whistle going a couple of minutes later.

A thoroughly professional demolition of a decent opponent, and another clean sheet. Darlo keeper Kenzie Alton had little to do but looked very safe when called upon. He had his central defenders Alex Mason and Kian Slater to thank in part, they dealt with everything that came their way. Added to that all four players who played in the full back positions both defended and attacked with composure and vision. In the centre of midfield Tom Horner marshalled his troops superbly, the hosts winning a bare minimum of high balls with Darlington winning most midfield challenges throughout.

Man of the match again a tricky one to award, with four or five players being candidates and no player below par. Spencer Soakell pipping goal hero Liam Wynn thanks to a tireless display first from right back and then in the centre of midfield never wasting possession in either position.

The lads still have promotion in their own hands, if they continue in a similar vein they will be hard to bet against.

Well done!

Coach Andrew