Dylan scores second half hat trick for Under 12s

Darlington Under 12s 7 Seaham RP 0

Darlington welcomed Seaham RP to Eastbourne in a County Cup tie. Both sides began brightly with the home side playing short passes while the visitors preferred a long ball approach. After a frenetic first ten minutes the game settled in to a familiar pattern, Darlington having the lion's share of possession and creating several chances. Warning signs appeared for Seaham with three shots going close and Tom Horner heading over from close range. Strangely enough the deadlock was broken after fifteen minutes with a long ball from defence. Kieran Bowers picking up the ball in his defensive third before looking up and hitting a delightful diagonal ball to the right flank, Ollie Johnson taking it in his stride and finishing low to the 'keeper’s right. There was no let up as the pressure was cranked up yet further with Kieran Longstaff - moving to a 'no.10' role- terrorising both the midfield and defence with his speed and movement. The second goal came from a sweetly hit front post corner from Kieran which had three players queuing up to meet. Dan Smith was the lucky recipient and made no mistake nodding in from five yards. The boys began to pass the ball around with great calmness and accuracy, at one point keeping the ball for around 30 passes before the final ball just eluded striker Bailey Proudlock. On thirty five minutes Bailey made it three, controlling a cross from Ollie Johnson on the right before stroking the ball home past the keeper. Another sustained period of dominance before the break brought no further reward though.

The second half saw the home side looking even more composed and confident on the ball than the first. Seaham became frustrated and became a little physical in their approach but this too failed to knock Darlington off their stride. Any attack from the opposition being dealt with either by the back four or 'keeper Kenzie Alton who played almost as a sweeper at times. A couple of changes were made after ten minutes, one of which saw Dylan Lewis taking on the lone striker's role. Within a couple of minutes Dylan had made his mark, easily beating the keeper from inside the box from a slide rule Spencer Soakell through ball. A matter of minutes later, Dylan struck again. Ollie Johnson running down the right flank before checking inside and hitting a pinpoint pass for Dylan to volley in sweetly with his left foot from just in front of the penalty spot. Not to be outdone Kieran Longstaff picked up the ball a few minutes later stepping across one defender before hitting a thunderous drive from 25 yards out, giving the 'keeper no chance as it hit the top left hand corner of the net. With just under ten minutes remaining Dylan completed his second half hat trick from the bench thanks to a deft headed pass from Kieran Longstaff. Dylan picked it up on the edge of the box with the 'keeper storming out towards him. With great composure, he dinked the ball over the keeper's head and into the net. That was to be the final goal of the game, which Darlington ended up dominating.

Again the man of the match award was not a straight forward decision. Dan Smith having his best competitive game to date in a Darlo shirt, and Dylan Lewis' hat trick meant both were impressive performances. However, it was Kieran Longstaff who took the accolade, bringing a new level of energy and intensity to an already impressive midfield.

Again ,similar to last week, it was a game that the lads (on paper) would be expected to win but again as last week the manner in which they went about it was the most pleasing thing.

Another cup game next week, this time away to Whitby in the League Cup.

Report by Andrew Alton

Tough outing for Under 7 Feethams

Darlington FC Feethams vs Leven AFC

Captain - Harry Bass

A tough game for Feethams against a strong Leven AFC side, unfortunately a bad start from the home side making a few mistakes ended up with Leven AFC taking their chances. Cena-Cole Priestley stepped up to take a penalty for Darlington and scored the first goal of the game for Feethams.

A change for Feethams in the second half with two of the subs Alfie Fenwick and Riley Nisbet coming on for Ethan Sweet and Josh Everett. A change of formation helped Feethams play some good football, a move started from the back gave Riley Nisbet a chance to score his first goal for the club but was denied from the goalkeeper. Goalkeeper Reece Dixon was kept busy making some superb saves including a great double save to deny Leven. Another great chance for Cena-Cole Priestley to score again following a good pass from Alfie Fenwick through both of the Leven AFC midfielders, although a great save from Leven AFC goalkeeper.

In the final 10 minutes saw Feethams score their second of the game with Riley Nisbet taking the ball off the Leven AFC defender and scoring his first goal for the club, a goal well taken.

A tough game for Feethams under 7s playing against a strong Leven side, even though the first half was frustrating for the players, they kept their heads up showing a good display in the second half, onto next week against Boro Rangers Blue in the second round of the cup.

Man of the Match - Harry Bass

Under 14s advance in League Cup

Birtley v Darlington Feethams Under 14s

League Cup

Team:

GK - Pocock

RB - Nichol

CB - Harland

CB - Hatton

LB - Jackson

RW - Simmi

CM - McCowie

CM - Ord (c)

CM - Skull

LW - Kirk

ST - Blackham

Subs:

Ruddick

Carvey

Birtley up for revenge following recent league defeat and started at a fast pace., testing the gloves of Sam Pocock (a late replacement for the injured Brad Wharbutton) Sam equal to the task with some great hands and good distribution. Hatton playing in an unfamiliar role of centre back showing his mettle with some strong challenges and quality clearances. The full backs Harvey and Ben showing no fear storming forward supporting the midfield 5. Jack organising the back line with great effect.

Midfield really battling hard chasing down every ball and showing guts and determination with some great tackles. Tyler and Simmi menacing the full backs at every opportunity. Some good crosses by both and supported well by the midfield trio. Our hard work paid off with a through ball to Blackham which he smashed in the corner. Well deserved lead and looking comfortable.

Birtley reacted from the kick off and press for an equaliser resulting in a great one on one save from Sam. Superb.

Half time approached with some great work again from the defence with some fantastic challenges., strong headers and great clearances.

Birtley pushed for that equaliser with several attacks and dangerous balls across the box which we somehow managed to clear.

Another attack. Another great save from Sam.

Half Time: Birtley 0, Darlington Feethams 1

From the kick off Birtley pushed for that equaliser., Hatton playing in unfamiliar position showing his strength and letting the opposition know they were in a game. Wave and wave of attacks came and the equaliser came from a scrappy piece of play from Birtley. Sam with no chance on this occasion. 1-1

The lads kept their heads up nevertheless pressing again and their rewards came with a quick response and another great goal from Blackham. 2-1.

Substitution. Time for fresh legs. Jermaine replacing Tyler ., (who had worked his socks off)on the unfamiliar position of left wing.

End to end game ebbed and flowed with Birtley pressing again to be met with firm resistance. Our turn with chances by Blackham and Simmi only to be outdone by the race opposition keeper.

Substitution. More fresh legs needed., this time in the right wing with Simmi making way for Nathan.

We dug in gamely for the remaining 15 minutes with the full whistle blowing

Full Time: Birtley 1 Darlington Feethams 2

Team Sponsor: Map Recoveries

Man of the Match: Sam Pocock

Match Report: Mike & Lewis Johnston

Oscar fires the winner for Feethams Under 8s!

Darlington started off fast with some great passing and some great work down the left hand side saw Harry Ward put through on goal to slot home Feethams opener. The home side levelled just before half time.

Second half saw Feethams take a well deserved lead when Alva Williamson scored to put the boys 2-1 up.

The home side equalised again with 4 minutes remaining. Then feethams had a corner cleared which fell to Oscar Thornber who hit it first time to score the winner and his first goal for the team.

Man of the match was Oscar Thornber not just for his goal but for some very composed defending.