Darlington Under 16 1 Primrose Hill Under 16s 11

Darlington u16’s today played the return fixture against Primrose Hill at home. Before the match had started the lads were given a huge challenge as they only had eight men! The match started as you would expect with the team that has the numerical advantage having the lion’s share of possession. The Darlington lads really dug in deep and displayed some great defending blocking shots, heading away and stopping crosses. Darlo through some good pressing broke out on the counter attack with recently returned left back David Arkley producing a classy finish to put the home team 1-0 up despite all odds.

After more courageous defending the lads found themselves hugely unfortunate to be the victim of an equaliser. A long range effort cannoned off the crossbar hit goalkeeper Andy Coulson on the back and crept in over the line. Nothing anyone could have done about that one. Shortly after Darlington again were very unlucky to concede when a cross was converted by one of the Darlington defenders, Igor Wieczorek. No blame on the defender here it was just an unlucky deflection, from which Igor demonstrated good character to bounce back from the unfortunate event. Not long after the half time whistle went and the first half ended 1-2. A superb half time score line and the players can be very proud of themselves with their efforts.

Playing with eight men took its toll as in the end the legs went and Darlo were unable to defend as well as they did in the first half despite showing the same determination. Primrose Hill went on to score a further nine goals some of them being outstanding efforts that no team would be able to defend against. The score line could have been more had it not been for some world class saves from goalkeeper Andy. The final score line of 1-11 is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of and the lads should look back at the incredible amount of character, heart and determination they showed. Darlington Football Club should be proud that they have young players with such amazing character. They have suffered from a huge amount of adversity but every single time they bounce back and go again.

Dan and Sasha (coaches) would like to say a huge thank you to the parents for their support through these tough times and we hope that they are as proud of their lads as we are.