Gateshead Leam Rangers 4 Darlington under 23s 4

Darlington and Gateshead Leam Rangers played out a dramatic 4–4 draw in the Wearside League, with both sides showing grit, determination, and plenty of attacking quality in front of an energetic crowd.

The home side started the brighter and took control of the first half, racing into a 3–1 lead by the interval. Darlington’s response came through Brendon Makedenge, who pulled one back before the break to give the Quakers hope heading into the second half.

After the restart, Makedenge struck again to cut the deficit further, swinging momentum back in Darlington’s favour. The game then turned into a true end-to-end battle, with both teams creating chances in a frantic spell.

With Darlington chasing the game, it was striker Jesse Nelson who stepped up when it mattered most. Leading the line with energy and confidence, Nelson struck twice late on – in the 81st and 86th minute – to haul his side level in thrilling fashion. His determination, movement, and clinical finishing earned him the Man of the Match award, a fitting reward for a striker who refused to let the game slip away.

Despite Rangers’ early dominance, Darlington showed resilience and character to fight back and secure a valuable point on the road. The eight-goal contest had everything: goals, drama, and a reminder of just how unpredictable and exciting grassroots football can be.

The result puts them fifth in the table, just a point behind the top four.