Darlington FC U12's 18 NSG Athletic 1

Report by Jonny Kane

Sponsored by Ace Flooring Solutions

Darlington started very very slowly and kind of took the opposition for granted who stunned the lads by taking an early lead after a defensive mistake led to the NSG attacker chipping the ball into the net to make it 1-0 to the visitors.

That was a shock to the system of Darlington and they would wake up from that slight lack of concentration and finally get into the game and start to create a few chances themselves but to no avail. Eventually they broke the deadlock with Preston Gredziak scoring after some good work on the right hand side from Finlay Tulip to cut it back and Preston to equalise.

Preston then plays a part in the next 5 goals for Darlington, firstly setting up Tyler Rowden on the edge of the box to place into the bottom left hand corner and then playing a very neat one-two with Finlay for the keeper to make a save off Finlay’s shot and Taylor Dunn to tap in the rebound to make the game 3-1. Again Preston was involved in the 4th as his shot was deflected off his striking partner Taylor and lands at the feet of Will Gattiss to tap in. Preston then got his 2nd of the game as he controlled the ball on the edge of the box and completely out strengthened the opposition defender and turned and placed the ball into the corner. The last goal in the first half was scored by Finlay after Preston neatly laid the ball off for Finlay to accept the invitation to tap in and make it 6-1.

HT 6-1

Darlington started the second half massively better than they did in the first half and took no prisoners as the flood gates opened very quickly.

New signing James "Jimmy" Wiseman got his first goal for Darlington after some good work from defender James Preston set Jimmy on his way into the box and finished nicely. Tyler got his 2nd of the game as he took the ball on the edge of the and placed it into the bottom corner to make it 8-1. Preston got his hat-trick as he used his strength yet again as he held off the last defender and powered his way into the box and scored. Tyler then got his hat-trick as a bad clearance from the opposition defence led to the ball being controlled on the chest of Tyler and volleyed into the top corner for the 10th goal.

Jimmy then set up Will Gatiss to score the 11th and Will then scored the 12th for his hat-trick after he collected the ball on the half way line and ran at the last defender and took him on and scored. Domincic Stacey then got in on the act as he got his 1st goal of the game as he was sent through by Tyler to nicely put Darlington even further ahead.

5 more goals were added before the final whistle scored by Finlay getting his 2nd, Dom getting his 2nd & Tyler, Preston and Will all getting their 4th

FT 18-1

MOTM: Preston Gradziak: Fantastic performance by the striker all round scoring 4 and having a hand in 5, topped off a fantastic game. Listened to everything that he was told by both coaches on the sideline and his team mates.

Middlesbrough fc Academy Under 14s 3 v DFC Under 14 Quakers 4

Report by Steve Cotterill

Darlo travelled to Hurworth to take on the u14 Academy side and gave a great account of themselves in a thrilling game. Boro went close early on with a great shot which was well saved by Matty Cotterill . Boro took the lead with a great strike in the 25 minute from the striker which found the bottom corner . Darlo responded and levelled after 30 min good work from Phil Sheridan who found Conner Brown to cross, Boro half cleared, and  the ball fell to Lewis Carragher whose first time shot found the back of the net.

HT 1-1

Darlo came out sharp, Mark Gent controlling the game in midfield and forced a corner great delivery from kai wright found Connor Brown with a great strike to put Darlo 2-1 up.

Boro responded to make it 2-2 with a great pass found the striker one on one and a cool finish made it 2-2.

Back came Darlo on the counter, good link up play between Kai w=Wright and Connor Brown found Daniel Adok who finished off the move to put Darlo 3-2 up . Boro pressed for the equaliser but Thomas Lea and Frankie Whelan were immense at the heart of the Darlo defence. Darlo went 4-2 up when a good ball from Colby Agnama found Connor Brown who brilliantly chipped the keeper.

Boro came back again and pressed, Dan Bean making a great block and was outstanding at right back . Boro pulled one back late on but Darlo with a great team performance deserved the win.

Full time

Mfc 3 v DFC 4

Under 8s win 11-3 away from home

Sponsors: Webster Developments

Scorers: Kai Martin 5, Alva Williamson 4, Harry Ward 2

Man of the match: Alva Williamson

The boys turned up with just the 5 fit players and what a shift they put in. In windy conditions they found themselves 1 nil down but they never let their heads go down. Within minutes they were back on level turns as Kai Martin won and converted a penalty.

The boys played brilliantly as a team, everyone working for each other from Mason Theaker in goal, Oscar Thornber commanding the defence and putting in a real captain’s performance.

Alva Williamson put the boys in front with a well struck free kick, then Harry Ward sent the boys into half time with a 2 goal advantage from another penalty.

In the second half the boys had the wind behind them and played some lovely football. Kai Martin was brilliant upfront and added 4 more goals but also worked hard for his team and helped Alva Williamson score a second half hat trick. Harry Ward added a further goal to make it 11-1 before our opponents scored 2 late consolation goals.

Well done to all 5 boys (and to Jenson who made his debut in the development game) they were outstanding. Every player scored - myself and Dave couldn't ask for more.