Academy win first game of the season
By Ray Simpson
Victory at South Shields
South Shields 1 – 2 Darlington Academy
A brilliant and resolute performance from Darlington Academy secured their first win of the season with a hard-fought victory away to South Shields at the Downhill Hub.
It was a real team display that combined resilience and determination out of possession with care and composure on the ball — a balance that fully deserved the final result.
After falling behind to a first-half penalty, Darlington responded superbly. A perfectly weighted pass from Charlie King sent Leroy Hewitt through on goal, and he finished clinically to level the score.
With around 15 minutes remaining, Man of the Match Harry Hodgson put the visitors in front, driving forward with determination before slotting home from close range to make it 2–1.
Manager Jarrett Rivers praised his side after the match, saying: "I’m incredibly proud of the lads for recording a thoroughly deserved win against a strong South Shields team. It’s great to see them get the rewards for their hard work on the training ground. This is a platform for us to build on in the coming weeks.”
