Redcar Town FC 2 Darlington Youth U-14s 2

Darlington made the journey over to the coast to take on Redcar Town. A big game for both clubs, the hosts looking for at least a point to stay up and the visitors hoping for three to guarantee promotion.

The match kicked off at a frenetic pace, both teams creating chances though Darlington were looking the more likely to convert. Redcar set out their stall early on, often resorting to over physical challenges that disrupted Quakers’ rhythm and concentration. After 15 minutes though they broke the deadlock, a Liam Wynn shot only parried by the keeper, Kieran Longstaff following up and finishing sweetly.

The boys then upped the pressure somewhat and went close on numerous occasions. Spencer Soakell beat a man on the edge of the box only to see his shot saved by the keepers’ legs, Liam Wynn following up with a shot that went inches wide.

Just before the break Luke Corr sent a glorious cross from the right which Ollie Johnson met superbly at quite a height only to see his effort fly six inches over the bar.

So in at halftime one up but everyone feeling a little nervy and the lads definitely unsettled from the physical approach from their opponents. The nerves seemed to be settled ten minutes in though, a Spencer Soakell long throw could only be directed into the net by a defender. A little more breathing space.

Minutes later though a free kick to the home team found its way into the bottom right corner of the net. Nerves jangling yet Darlington continued to create the lion's share of chances. In particular Liam Wynn and Kieran Longstaff both going close on several occasions and centre half Kian Slater even giving the keeper food for thought from long range. The visitors thought they had added a third when Kieran nicked a ball from the defender on the edge of the box and slipped the ball past the keeper onto the net. The referee disallowed it though seemingly for offside - though later it transpired that it was because one of our players shouted "mine".

Still reeling from being denied some breathing space Darlington failed to clear the ball minutes later as it pin-balled inside their box finally falling to a attacker from a parried save who gratefully prodded it into the net. All level and both teams went for it with just ten minutes remaining. The pressure telling on the lads, tempers flaring and 'in-fighting' taking place yet they still fashioned a couple of half chances but to no avail. The whistle was blown and Redcar Town were the team celebrating, Darlington Youth distraught that they had failed to secure promotion.

On reflection the lads created chances aplenty, on another day they could well have put four or five away. Luckily there's one more chance, a home fixture to secure promotion.

Man of the match was awarded to Kian Slater who in the first half especially played in a very positive manner, winning ball after ball turning defence into attack on several occasions.