Russell Foster Under 15 League Cup final

Darlington 1 Consett 0

Darlington under 15s faced Consett Chiefs in the Russell Foster League Cup final - the pinnacle cup competition in our area for this age group. Darlington were facing Consett for the third time of the season having previously beaten Consett 3-2 in the home game and drawing 2-2 at Consett. Darlington came into the final having already played three Russell Foster Premier Division sides on the way to the final whilst Consett had also beaten two Premier Division sides en route to the final. After a slight delay to the start of the game, Consett starting the game in tropical conditions in their usual red strips. Darlington had their first spell of possession in the first couple of minutes, playing in their usual black and white strip. Whilst the pitch looked in perfect condition, it was very dry and lively and had an unpredictable bounce. Consett had the first meaningful effort after 6 minutes from outside the area, brought a routine save from James Thorpe.

Darlington quickly responded and had two chances of their own in quick succession. First, Danny Myers clipped a ball over the top to Adam Bearpark who shifted the ball inside his man but shot into the side netting. Adam Lamb then cleared his lines and Adam Bearpark latched onto the ball forward, got the ball onto his favoured right foot and from outside the box drove his shot straight at the Consett keeper, when strike partner Bailey Howarth was better placed. The next 10 minutes ebbed and flowed with little chances for either side. The final twenty minutes of the first half was Darlington's best sell of the game, as further efforts from Joe Betteridge, Bailey Howarth and Adam Bearpark were all thwarted. Consett's final chance of the half was a free kick 20 yards from goal which was excellently saved by the dependable James Thorpe.

The second half continued in the blistering heat and it became clear that players would need every ounce of energy to get through the full game. Darlington introduced Robbie Lee at half time for Jackson Mckie who had defended well in the first half. The second half again was quite even and as the players from each side became more tired, the chances for each side started to come. Firstly, Consett broke down the Darlington right but an excellent tackle from Mark Ross prevented any potential attack. Darlington made their second change introducing Eddy Lewington for the injured Bailey Howarth.

Consett were now enjoying their best spell in the game and but for the heroic defending of first Josh Mellanby and then Adam Lamb, the scores remained level. Matthew Wilson then hit a shot wide from outside the box for Darlington. James Thorpe was then called into action again to deny another Consett attack, but Darlington then got a strangle hold on the game. A slight tweak in formation allowed Harry Hobbs, Joe Betteridge and Matthew Wilson to get to grips with the Consett midfield, whilst Adam Bearpark and the pacy Eddy Lewington were still causing problems upfront.

Jackson Mckie was brought back on for Mark Ross who had given everything for his team and Bailey Howarth was also asked to cause some problems down the left replacing Matthew Wilson. Following an injury to the standout Consett defender the game entered injury time. A short free kick was taken quickly on the Darlington left and a cross was centred and a perfectly timed ROBBIE LEE header back across goal gave Darlington a last minute winner sending the players into wild celebrations. Within seconds of the restart the final whistle was blown and Darlington claimed their first League Cup winners trophy. Overall the game was very tight but Darlington's excellent attitude and never say day mentality got them through the game.

Team: 1.James Thorpe 2.Mark Ross 3.Josh Mellanby 4.Adam Lamb 5.Jackson Mckie 6.Harry Hobbs 7.Joe Betteridge 8.Matthew Wilson 9.Adam Bearpark 10.Bailey Howarth 11.Danny Myers 12.Robbie Lee 14.Eddy Lewington

And another view from the same match