Our Under23s stayed top of the table by hitting third placed Sunderland West End for six on Saturday.

Jack Mortimer (2), Steve Dawson, Will Maddison and Alfie Fawcett got the goals, but keeper Liam Mason was man of the match for saving two penalties at the other end and keeping a clean sheet.

Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; “I was really pleased with the performance, especially as West End had a couple of their Northern League players in the squad.

“Our shape and play really suited us well and everyone played their part as we dominated possession and made the right decisions when the moments came. The defence was solid, and I was really pleased for our keeper Liam Mason for saving two penalties and keeping a clean sheet.”

Off the back of not just a solid win but incredible performance last weekend, the Darlo boys’ confidence was at an all time high heading into a significant game.

The game kicked off with both teams settling into it within the first 10 minutes, opportunities on both sides but the momentum was sliding to the U23s and with a great bit of skill from Steve Dawson down the left to find Jack Mortimer in the box, he tucked it away and got the boys 1-0 up. It was 2-0 just three minutes later with Dawson firing into the top corner from outside the box. No less than the boys deserved after a really emphatic start.

Five minutes later a nervy moment as a penalty awarded to West End created a tough moment for keeper Liam Mason. A little bit of mind games paid dividends as he got down low and fast for an unreal save out for a corner. The boys saw out the half really well, a few good moments could have added a goal or two but all in all a really professional first half.

Second half kicked off and the boys did not wait long to add a third, Will Maddison who is finding his shooting boots with a first time clinical finish right into the side netting from about 25 yards out. A couple of changes with Alfie Fawcett and Alfie Robinson on to keep fresh legs down the wings and both made big impacts. Fawcett scored a 25 yarder himself, and then Robinson bombed down the wing after some great play to whip a ball into Mortimer for 5-0.

A contentious penalty moment had Liam Mason poised and ready again, but as we know he can’t help but save them, two penalties and two saves - different class from Liam today as well as great catches from corners, and 1-on-1 saves throughout the match. Maddison also dominated the midfield and was rewarded with a second, a good corner from Mortimer and near post header to find 6-0.

It was a rampant display and dominant performance from the boys, the passing and chemistry is really starting to find its rhythm now with the boys going from strength to strength. Defensively the boys were top and the clean sheet was hard earned with several massive clearances and saves. Darlo U23s stay top of the table three points ahead of second placed Middlestone Moor who have three games in hand.

Starting Line-up:
1. Liam Mason, 2. Jayden Sekete, 3. Thomas Southwood, 4. Owen Harvey, 5. Dylan Helliwell, 6. Oliver Walters, 7. Jack Mortimer, 8. Will Maddison, 9. Ste Dawson, 10. Ethan Cuthbertson, 11. Kayne Williams

Subs:
Alfie Fawcett, Harry Butters, Alfie Robinson, Owen Smith, Sam Booth, Ethan Mcloughlin