Darlington v TIBS

Darlington under 11 were in league action again away to TIBS on a heavy wet pitch. Darlington lined up with Connor Peat in goal, Oli Clark, Josh Gibson and Jo Crompton at the back. In the midfield were Callum Moncur, Jack Clarkson and Alex O’Hagan with Harry Dixon and Chris Walters playing up front. The game started brightly with both teams looking to play football despite the poor pitch. It was Darlington who looked the more likely to open the scoring with Harry Dixon and Chris Walters linking up well going forward. It was from an attack down the left that was pulled back to the edge of the box by Chris Walters for Jack Clarkson to volley into the bottom corner that gave the first score . Darlington were one up and playing well. TIBS however pushed forward and looked dangerous on the break. Their equaliser came very soon after following a quickly taken throw catching Darlington unaware and the subsequent cross was tucked into the bottom corner from close range.

TIBS were beginning to dominate the midfield and were coping with the conditions well. 20 minutes in and a through ball got past the Darlington defenders for the attackers to run onto and place past the rushing Connor Peat into the bottom corner. On came Jamieson Sams for Harry Dixon and it was Sams who chased a lost cause into the bottom corner, somehow managed to gain control of the ball then cross into a crowded box for Chris Walters to eventually thump home from 6 yards.

It was nip and tuck after that, with both sides putting in plenty of effort. The second half started with Callum Campell replacing Callum Moncur in midfield, and both sides created plenty of chances and several goals were scored.

There was much for Darlington to be proud of especially as they were short of their full squad.

*please note that due to FA rules we are unable to publish the final score of the game.