Darlington Academy 2 Farsley Academy 2.

Academy head coach Alan White said Darlington’s 2-2 draw with Farsley on Wednesday was a “big moment” for the youngsters.

Despite the windy conditions and playing against a team mostly a year older, the lads came back from a goal down twice to draw 2-2 at Blackwell Meadows, Brandon Morrison and Elliott Shaw scoring the goals.

“I thought the lads were outstanding,” said Whitey.

“Our opponents were a contrast to Halifax whom we played last week. Halifax got the ball down and played, while Farsley had a lot of big lads and were direct and physical. Our lads played with confidence and plenty of ability, and they transferred our work on the training ground on to the pitch. We played football in the right way.

“Despite the difficult conditions, our lads passed the ball around well and created some good chances.

“We went 2-1 down with a few minutes left, but we kept working hard and equalised.

“If we had lost the game, it would have been a travesty. It’s a big moment for the lads, in that they’ve gained their first point in only their second game, and they’ve taken in what we’ve been teaching them on the training field.”

Team: Burn, Gardiner, Kaba, Lycett, Alderson, Stansfield, Shaw, Lindthep, Healy, Morrison, Dunn.

Subs: Lynas, McNab, Cranston, Nunes, Harland

Their next game is at home to Harrogate Town next Wednesday at Blackwell Meadows.