Darlington FC U23s progressed to the next round of the Washington Aged People’s Trophy with a 4–2 victory over Gateshead Kurdish in the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

It was a tough contest against a robust and talented Gateshead Kurdish side, who made life difficult throughout.

The visitors took the lead after the Darlington midfield switched off, but the lads responded well to turn the game around.

First Ryan Wardell headed in from a corner to equalise, then two goals from substitute Corbyn Mitchell and a Jesse Nelson strike from the edge of the box helped secure the victory and booked a place in the next round.

Manager John Walters said: “The lads played some good football at times today, but our final pass wasn’t the best. We scored four good goals and created plenty of chances, but once again some sloppy defending cost us two goals.

“There are plenty of positives to take from today, but there is still lots for us to work on. The most important thing is that we’re into the next round.”