Darlington FC Youth U13s 1 South Shields U13s 4

Squad: Lewis Johnston, Jermaine Ruddick, Sam Pocock, Josh Bell, Jack Harland, Matthew Downs, Jermaine Ruddick, Ben Jackson, Alex Tweddle, Luca Hendickson, Ethan Routledge, Dan Kukielka, Lois Robinson and Harvey Nichol

The lads were up for the game with a positive attitude and started the game pressing from the start, with Ethan and Jermaine making good forward runs. The midfield of Nathan (right) Louis and Ben (centre) and Matty (left) pressed time and time again. Nathan played a great cross for Ethan to head the ball over the keeper, 1-0.

The game was mainly played in the centre of the pitch for most of the remainder of the half. Jermaine broke free of their defence only for the keeper to make a great save, South Shields replied at the other end, 1-1.

Half time: Darlington FC Youth U13s 1 V South Shields U13s 1

The second half played out the same as the first, Matty having a strong shot saved, Dan's had a one-on-one with the keeper and hit the post. A long ball over the top beat the offside trap against Luca, Josh, Alex and Harvey, who had worked tirelessly all game, 1-2.

Nathan played another good cross in and Dan's header went wide. Sam came on and made several good runs from the back and Ben ran and ran giving his all, trying desperately to get one back. Jack made some good through runs, but stopped by their defence. A few 'tasty' tackles started flying in by both sides and a free kick to Shields led to their third.

Time and time Darlington attacked, Louis hitting the bar, Dan narrowly putting it wide and Jermaine had a great shot saved. Last kick of the game was a cross by Shields and a great header to make it 1-4.

Full time: Darlington FC Youth U13s 1 V South Shields U13s 4

Message from coach James; “The lads were very disappointed and that showed in their faces at full time. Back to hard graft at training lads. Heads up!!”