Farringdon Detached Under 12s 2 Darlington FC Under12s 12

Match report by Jonny Kane

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The lads started slowly and kept giving the ball away cheaply and kind of taking the bottom of the table opponents for granted and didn't expect the physical-ness of Farringdon.

Once the lads started to get into the game, the football passing started flowing and we were keeping the ball nicely and eventually got the first goal when a goalkeeper error led to Taylor Dunn tapping the ball in after a goalmouth scramble and what looked like a hand ball on the goalline. 1-0. A corner and some really entertaining passing moves out on the left between Will Gatiss and Finlay Tulip for Finlay to lay the ball off for Tyler Rowden to hit it first time and put the ball in off the bar, 2-0.

Soon 3-0 as there was some great team passing which even led to ball being back at goalkeeper Tom Youngs at one point and led to the ball out left for Finlay Tulip to cut inside and curl the ball in. Darlington then added a 4th as Preston Gradziak collected the ball and turned his defender to drive the ball at goal for it to nestle into the bottom corner. Will Gatiss opened his tally for the day after some good work on the right for Alex Walton to send Charlie Drury away for him to put a low cross into the back post for Will to finish in one touch finish, 5-0.

Will again was once again involved in the 6th goal of the game taking on 2 players out on the left hand side for him to curl an effort at goal, just in time for Preston Gradziak to pinch the goal on the line 6-0. The lads unfortunately lacked concentration close to end of the half as the opponents caught us on the counter and got in behind the very high defence and get one goal back.

HT 6-1

The second half started very physically from the opponents, a lot of ill tempered rash tackles started flying in from all over the place which led to 2 Farringdon players being booked for kicking out. That didn't stop the boys adding another 6 in the second half, starting with some good work in the centre of the pitch from striker Charlie Drury to shoot at goal and the keeper couldn't stop the ball from trickling in, 7-1.

Farringdon got their second goal of the game when a free kick from the edge of the box went in off the fingertips of Tom and then the underside of the bar. Darlington’s heads didn't drop as they kept going wanting to add more to the scoreline which was already pretty much safe. Preston Gredziak then completed his hat-trick as he controlled the ball on his chest turned and used his strength to hold off 2 defenders and put the ball in the net to make it 8-2.

Will the collected the ball out left and neatly chipped the keeper from just inside the box to add another, then captain Dom Stacey got in on the action when he collected the ball in the centre of the pitch on the edge of the box and turned his defender and powered the ball into the far corner to make it 10-2. Dom was involved in Finlay getting his second of the game, as he used his strength to keep hold of the ball to lay off to Finlay for him to drive into the box and score. The final goal of the game and completing his hat-trick was from Will as Finlay went to get his hat-trick the keeper came up with a great save but the ball dropped for Will to score the rebound.

FT 12-2

MOTM: Preston Gredziak: Had a good game upfront and held the ball up well and got the midfield into play and got his hat-trick today, well played lad!

Darlington FC U9’s win 5-1 away from home

Match report by Steve Perkins.

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The team travelled away for this rescheduled first leg meeting. On a crisp, sunny morning kicked off with a minuteʼs silence for Remembrance Day, both teams produced very entertaining end-to-end football, with excellent battling for possession and use of the width of the field.

Darlington U9s opened the scoring with a 5th-minute goal slotted calmly by Max after an accurate long-range pass from Connor from just inside our half. Darlington kept the pressure on for the next ten minutes with several shots going just wide of the mark but strong defending and some great saves by the opposing keeper held the score at 1-0.Just before halftime, the opposing striker was brought down in the box and he converted the subsequent penalty to make it 1-1 at the break.

The second half brought Tom, Lucas, Alfie and Will into the game and the pressure was soon mounted on the opponents again, with Darlington beginning to enjoy the upper in hand in terms of possession and strength on the ball. More end-to-end play followed with excellent passing between Connor, Lucas, Alfie, Tom and Will and eventually, they forced a corner. Connorʼs looping cross landed perfectly at Tomʼs feet in the middle and he calmly took control of the ball and shot it home to take the score to 2-1.

Three minutes later Tom was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty. His strike was blocked by the keeper but he couldnʼt hold onto it and Tom was quickly on hand to finish the job and take the score to 3-1. The pressure was beginning to tell on the opposition and they gave away a couple of free kicks just out of range of goal but in the 15th minute a ball gathered at the back by Matt and touched by nearly every player on its way to the opposition box, saw Tom finish a great passage of play with our 4th goal. Two minutes later a corner taken by Tom and converted by Connor for his second goal took the final score to 5-1.

Another very engaging game of football played by the boys and thoroughly enjoyed by players and spectators alike. Well done to both teams!

Under 15s win at Stockton

Stockton Town 2 Darlington U-15 Feethams 4

A short trip to Stockton with the wind howling on a bitter November afternoon. The lads lined up with a change of formation, playing with a back three of Kieran Bowers, Alex Mason and Josh Hammerton. From kick off Darlington pushed their opposition into mistakes and played a high line, limiting the space that the hosts had to play in. The play went end to end but it was the visitors who created the better chances, the front two of Ollie Johnson and Liam Wynn applying pressure to the Stockton defence. When the home side did go forward they found stand in ‘keeper Bailey Proudlock and the defence in fine fettle. With fifteen minutes gone Darlo gained reward for their early superiority, Dylan Lewis going down the right and playing a teasing low cross in, a defender lunging and turning the ball past his own keeper into the back of the net. Five minutes later the advantage was doubled, Liam Wynn finding Ollie Johnson with a cross from the left, Ollie volleying in from 10 yards out. Stockton did their best to hit back but the well organised back three stood fast aided by midfield generals Spencer Soakell and Dan Lewis.

The score remained 2-0 until the half time whistle went, the lads fully deserving their lead. Back out for the second half and before they knew it Darlington were pegged back to parity with two goals in five minutes from Stockton. A third strike found its way into the back of the net minutes later only to be disallowed for offside. At this point rather than collapse the boys drew breath and began dictating the game once more. It was not the flowing football that we have seen most of the season the conditions and opposition dictated otherwise, but their play was effective nonetheless. Just reward came half way through the second period, Dan Smith finding himself surrounded at the edge of the box by three defenders glanced up and fired in a inch perfect shot clearing the keeper into the roof of the net. A fourth came with fifteen minutes remaining, Ollie Johnson breaking away from his marker and firing in from just inside the box. The initial shot was parried by the keeper but the ever alert Ollie Johnson fired home the rebound from six yards out. With under five minutes remaining Bailey Proudlock rushed out to meet a forward bursting through and took a hefty kick to his ankle in the process. Unable to continue, Liam Wynn became Darlington’s third keeper of the season to see the game out.

Man of the match again a difficult call. Both wing-backs Joe Hanson and Kieran Longstaff (on his return from his broken wrist) were tireless throughout. Kieran Bowers in the centre of the back three had a tremendous first half. Alex Mason and Josh Hammerton were equally dependable throughout. Spencer Soakell and Dan Smith both being creative and combative in equal measures in the centre of midfield. Ollie Johnson with his two goals and Liam Wynn seemingly covering every blade of grass. In the end the accolade went to Bailey Proudlock, making several saves and being quick to come off his line when required. Showing bravery and being prepared to help out his team out in a crisis Bailey just edged it to claim his first man of the match in a Darlington shirt. Hopefully his injury will not be too serious as he recovers in the coming week.

A deserved result for the boys after being unlucky to have little to show from their first three fixtures in the league. A physical game as seems to be the norm in the top division the lads showing a great togetherness playing for each other at all times. Onwards to next week’s fixture at home to Spraire Lads.

Darlington Under 13s 2 Tibs 2

Report by Mikey Weston

Darlington hosted Tibs and if you were a betting man, you would have backed TIBS on current form.

Darlo defended well clearing 3/4 good changes for Tibs , but Darlo stepped it up and weren’t going to lay down and take it and had two good chances before Benji Keating latched on to a loose ball to fire past the on rushing keeper, 1-0. The game became end to end and conceded from a corner half time 1-1,

The second half saw more of the same from both sides with Darlington defending well again and another mistake saw Tibs score again 1-2 .

A few changes and Darlo got a corner and Benjamin Rodker fired in to the top corner 2-2,

Mom Benjamin

Fantastic support today cheered the lads on from start to finish.

Easington u16 1, Darlo Quakers u15s 7.

Match report by Stephen Luck

A cracking result away for Darlo, facing the supposed league favourites Easington who beat Spennymoor last week. Darlo started strongly playing some super football in the first 10 mins and went 1-0 ahead. Darlo then missed a few good chances to kill the game off and Easington then came back into the game and were stronger but Darlo defended well. Darlo then got their passing game together again and dominated the last 10 mins of the first half. The second half was one way traffic and we played the best football we've played all season keeping possession and slick in the final 3rd. The game ended 7-1 scorers were Matt McGukin 3, Oscar Taylor 2, Kieron Greenway 1, Coulby Shepherd 1. Man of the match was Matt McGukin who never stopped all day. His hold up play was superb and he ran the channels non stop and finishing lethal

Darlington Fc U8’s Quakers win 5-1 at home

Report by Brad Blythe

Darlington started the game brightly with some great passing, moving and talking, the game changed with a goal from Miller Shield who was excellent once again during the game.

Jack Parry started up front and with some tricks and turns he bagged himself a hat-trick with some unbelievable skills.

The game was a very exciting match with some great passing that created lots of goals and shots.

Miller Shield was great down the left side of midfield as always creating chances for his team mates and even scored a goal. Travis Harrison was set a task during the game to man mark as an improvement to his overall game and he did it brilliantly and scored a goal too. Zac Reeve was excellent in defence with his strength and communication to win the ball when out of possession, Darlington keeper Ben Willams had a good game his saves and kicking are improving every single week so that’s a positive for the future shot stopper for Darlington. Apo Bakan was solid as usual in the team with some good passing and moving on the pitch and communication to his team mates. Alfie Glancey the work horse in the team gave 110% to win the ball back whenever we lost it with some good shots unfortunately the keeper kept saving them.

It was a overall great win for the team today for Darlington u8’s that’s now our fourth win out of seven games in TJFA division 1 and our confidence is on a high, the kids go again next week against Norton and Stockton

Home team MOM - Apo Bakan

Away team MOM- Alfie Glancey

Feethams under 8s lose away

Report by Martin Williamson

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The boys undefeated run came to an end in a game where they never got started until the development game.

Mason Theaker was the only scorer in a below par performance.

Can’t be disappointed and look forward to next week! Well done boys!

Darlington Feethams U14's 3 Lambton Street U14's 0

Report by James Carverhill

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A bit of a swap around, Ruddick (forward) on the left, Kirk (left wing) Harland (centre back) up front and Johnson making his full debut since joining 3 weeks ago.

Lambton St pushed from the start, shooting at Warburton, but as usual collected well. Feethams settled quickly into the game with Lambton St only making 2 more attacks in the 1st half. Feethams tried everything from Ruddick on the left, Simmi on the right, Skull, Hatton in the middle, Harland hit the bar and Kirk shooting just wide. Carvey was pushing up the field with every opportunity given. Although Feethams had most of the play, the passing at times was a bit rushed, where as Lambton played good triangular play.

Half Time: Feethams 0 Lambton St 0

Subs: Jackson on for Ruddick, McCowie on for Simmi, Johnston on for Warburton.

Feethams once again tried to break down Lambtons defence but in vain, until McCowie decided to take things into his own hands and made a run, skipping past player after player to score a magnificent goal, 1-0. Johnston (his first game since a long injury) had a very quiet 2nd half, but when called apon, his distribution was second to none. Pocock came on for the every hard working Kirk and managed to squeeze the ball into the net from a McCowie corner, 2-0.

Long injury Bell came on for Bruce with Tweddle (Captain) switching to CB and Bell for the 1st time every going to LB. More shots came from Hatton, Skull, Harland, but either their defence stood well or just shot over the bar. Bell played some fantastic balls into the box for the lads, but another McCowie corner set up Harland for his 1st goal, one game up front one goal! 3-0

Lambton sustained the pressure for the last 5 mins, 3-0

Final Score: Feethams U14's 3 Lambton St.0

Squad:

Warburton

Carvey Johnson Bruce Tweddle

Simmi Hatton Skull Ruddick

Harland Kirk

Subs: Bell, McCowie, Johnston, Pocock, Jackson

Cup game: Darlington fc Under 7 Quakers

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Match report by Martin Sowerby

Captain: Tobias Slade

The game started well with Darlington using the formation of 2 defenders and 2 attackers with Grayson in goal. The Quakers were off to a quick, strong start with Billy and Tobias putting each of their shots wide. Billy was straight back on the attack playing a lovely ball through to Theo, who struck the ball in top corner for an excellent finish and for his 1st goal of the day. Our opponents were straight in the attack but excellent defensive work from Toby saw the ball out of play. Tobias and Billy were passing the ball lovely down the pitch which was intercepted by opposing defenders, they countered Darlington for their 1st attempt at goal, which saw Grayson pull off a fantastic save but reacted very well to get back on his feet for another great save. Quakers were straight on attack with a short corner between Tobias and Toby, which lead to Toby playing a short pass to Tobias which Tobias drove forward to find a low shot in the corner of the goal for his 1st of the day. Quakers remained in possession, with Billy winning a freekick in own half, played a long ball down to which deflected out for a Darlington corner. Billy stepped up and put a terrific ball into the box, which was deflected by an opponent in the back of the net, goal be given to Billy. Our opponents put the pressure on again through good passages of passing and the Quakers could not seem to get the ball cleared out of our half. Our opponents had another attempt at goal, which Grayson pulled off a good save. A switch of play and Tobias covering in defence and played some fantastic balls through to the Quakers attack, but the forwards could not convert the chances. The ball was returned to Darlington with a shot going well wide from our opponents. A goal kick from Grayson into Theo, saw Theo make a run on the right-hand side, beat 2 players and finished the ball powerfully past the keeper for his 2nd of the day.

The second half started and Quakers started with the same formation of 2 defenders and 2 attackers. George broke free with his left-footed attempt go just wide. Another attempt from the halfway line for George seen his shot hit the post, Theo followed up and the ball hit the opposing keeper to go out for a corner. Pressure was building and our opponents quickly countered in the 2nd half with some excellent defensive work from Toby and Grayson were calm at the back and prevented any opportunities for the home side. Theo took a corner well struck into the box to go out of the other side for an opposing throw in. Quakers closed the ball down on the left-hand side to win another corner. Billy took the corner, played to the back post and Theo tapped it in for his hattrick; another for the season. Our opponents got on the counter, winning themselves a freekick in their own half, Tobias spoke to his keeper and set a two man wall up.

Good communication from the boys and using their positions well to support one and other. Theo got another attempt at goal which hit post but Tobias followed it up and saw the ball in the back of the net for his 2nd. Quakers played some brilliant football to keep the ball in play, used every player on the pitch and some great footwork from Billy saw another counter attack. Captain, Tobias communicated well from the back. Quakers lost the ball in the centre of the field, our opponents broke away with an overload of 2 attackers v 1 defender and they managed to convert their chance.

Quakers heads did not go down but more talking was needed between all players. Toby had an effort which went just go wide. Our opponents got themselves back on the attack with a player going for goal, Tobias supported well running from midfield to see the ball go out for a throw in. Theo managed to get himself a free kick, with a well-struck shot but their keeper got hands to it for a corner kick. Tobias stepped in to take a great corner in the centre of the box, which caused the opposing defenders out, keeper tipped it back into attack and Theo stabbed it wide. Our opponents were back on the attack, with a low struck ball into corner which Grayson had covered to see the ball wide for a goal kick. Great work from the back, with Theo and Tobias in defence, Theo played an excellent through ball to George which his shot was saved by keeper but tapped in the rebound for his 1st goal of the day. Not long left on the clock and the boys were unlucky to concede a penalty. A powerful struck shot saw Grayson almost get a hand to it, another goal to our opponents

A good game of football with plenty of positives and the boys are at home to Leven AFC next week.

Man of the Match: Billy Brownbridge

Darlington FC Under 7 Feethams away from home

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Back to a league game after an impressive win in our friendly game last week. Feethams started brightly getting the ball and making chances also not being afraid to take players on, it only came down to the home keeper who stopped the lads who were through on goal numerous times by saving well and coming of his line really quick. Feethams had plenty of chances with Harry Bass and Cena-Cole Priestley, both were denied by the goalkeeper. Riley Nisbet and Josh Everett were playing great passes forward to our strikers but the same again the keeper was quick of his line every time the ball was played through their defenders.

Alfie Fenwick on the ball fooled the opposing striker with a smart turn to in our own half and passed the ball to Harry Bass who managed to take on half the Bishop team to then score the first goal the game, 1-0 Feethams. Throughout the first half Feethams were dominant keeping the ball well and creating chances however after committing too many men forward our opponents created a chance which was well saved by keeper Reece Dixon. A reminder for the lads that the opponents were still in this game. Just before the half time whistle went the Feethams almost got away with a second goal after a mix up from the opponents saw Cena-Cole Priestley through on goal but just couldn’t get to the ball before the keeper.

Half time 1-0

Second half the Feethams started how they ended the first half a good chance which started from kick off forced a save from the goalkeeper who kept his side in the game. 5 minutes later Feethams managed to score their second goal of the game with Cena-Cole Priestley calmly finishing into the corner of the goal after taking the ball past two of their players. The rest of the game the Feethams were superb, creating plenty of chances and defending well, a great team display throughout the final 10 minutes although there were chances for our opponents at the other end but Reece Dixon was making sure he was going to keep his first league clean sheet for the season; which in the end he succeeded along with the team. An all round good performance from all the lads on a cold windy day, a tough away game next week against a good Stockton Town Blue team!

Man of the match - Harry Bass

Report by Bailey Ramrekha