Academy makes it eight wins in a row
By Ray Simpson
Good victory over Blyth
The form of Jarrett Rivers' academy outfit continued from 2024 into the New Year with yet another impressive victory, this time out against a strong Blyth Spartans side.
Having lost the opening game of the season to Blyth, the lads were out for revenge and should have been out of sight with a host of excellent chances spurned early on. The visitors nearly made the hosts pay but a great save from the impressive Flood in the Darlington goal kept Spartans at bay.
The scoring was then opening after some brilliant work from Scotter in the middle of the park. Pinching the ball before whipping in a cross that Bondarenko finished just ahead of the advancing goalkeeper. It was that man Scotter again that doubled the advantage, Blyth made to pay for failing to clear their lines as Scotter chested and volleyed home smartly from the edge of the area.
Following the half-term interval, a combination of a galvanised Blyth and slightly complacent Darlo led to the visitors halving the deficit. A nervy few minutes passed before the two-goal cushion was restored. A Roberto Carlos-Esque ping from Marsden was controlled well by Bondarenko before he lobbed the goalkeeper.
The victory was sealed in the dying moments as Maw saw his shot cleared off the line but the rebound fell to Akahomen-Austine who opened his account for the season with a finish into the bottom corner.
The lads now find themselves firmly in the title race at the half-way point of the season, commitment, energy, skill all shining through this impressive group of players.
Next up, a huge game, we welcome Solihull Moors to Northallerton Town in the last 16 of the National Cup on Wednesday 22nd January, 2pm kick off. Feel free to come along and cheer on the lads.
