Darlington Reserves 6 Prudhoe 2

The reserves took their goals tally to an impressive 13 in two matches when they thumped Prudhoe 6-2 at Eastbourne on Saturday.

They put seven past Coxhoe Athletic last week, so they’ve started the year well, and are nicely in sixth place in the table.

But joint manager Mark Fanning reckons that they haven’t been at their best in these two games. “We’re still not firing on all cylinders in games. We play some great football at times – the passing, control and movement can be first class – but we’re still conceding some sloppy goals and giving ourselves problems. We didn’t really get on top until the second half when we really killed the game off. The goals by Joey and Mitchell were really good team goals and very good to watch.

“We’ve scored 13 goals in two games now, which is great, but we’re a little unhappy that we’ve conceded five at the other end.

“But nevertheless, we’re sixth in the table, and our target is to finish in the top five.”

Joey Smith put Quakers into an early lead, but Prudhoe cancelled that out before half time.

It was only after half time when the lads moved into top gear. Jamie O’Brien, called up from the Under 18s, Gareth McMahon, Joey Smith and the impressive Mitchell Glover made it 5-1.

Prudhoe pulled one back from a free kick, before Ellis Tate made sure late in the game.

The reserves next game is at home to Gateshead Leam Lane on Saturday.