Darlington were beaten in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw at Billingham Town in the Durham Challenge Cup last night.

Quakers, who were represented by the Under 23 side, took the lead three times with some great football, but the Northern League side hit back each time and won the penalty shootout 5-4

But Quakers took a huge amount of credit from their performance, which will be a huge source of encouragement for the rest of the season.

From the very first whistle, Quakers stuck to their game plan and it paid off early. Matty Kirokiro opened the scoring with a composed finish to give them the lead. Billingham hit back with an equaliser, but the lads kept their composure and Jack Mortimer restored the visitors’ advantage with a well-taken goal.

Just before the break, Billingham found an equaliser to send both sides into half-time level.

At the interval, the instructions were simple - stick to the plan and trust the process. The team responded brilliantly, and once again it was Mortimer who delivered, putting Quakers 3-2 up. But credit to Billingham, who continued to press and eventually drew level once more.

With the match finishing 3-3 after 90 minutes, the game went to penalties. Unfortunately, the gallant visitors were edged out 5-4 in the shootout, but every player gave everything on the pitch.

A special mention goes to Archie Small, who was named Player of the Match. Outstanding in defence and sharp going forward, he capped his performance with a superb assist for the opening goal.

Despite the result, the U23s can hold their heads high after travelling away to a strong Northern League side and competing from the first minute to the last.

Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; “I’m immensely proud of the group.

“The lads stuck to the plan and put an enormous shift in against a team from two leagues higher up the pyramid. It’s a game that we should probably have walked away from as the winners.

“The boys walked off the pitch with their heads held high with the performance they put in.”

A huge thank you to the supporters who travelled to back the lads and to Billingham Town for their excellent hospitality.