Our Under 23s are now within touching distance of a top two finish in the Wearside League Second Division following a narrow 1-0 win over Ferryhill Town Youth at Eastbourne.

Matthiew Kirokiro was the matchwinner, grabbing his 21^st goal of the season early in the second half.

The result means that Quakers need a point away to Consett Blackfyne this Saturday to be sure of a top two place, a great achievement in their first season in the league.

Winning the league itself might be more difficult, as second placed Middlestone Moor have a 100 per cent record from their games, and are strong favourites to win the league regardless of how they do against Quakers in one of their remaining league games.

Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; “The players really stuck to their task against a very competitive side who gave us plenty to think about. We never gave up, and that perseverance was rewarded when Kiro scored. We still had to be disciplined after that at the back to make sure Ferryhill didn’t snatch an equaliser.

“A top two place is now very close, but we must keep working hard all the way through to the end of the season.”

With Darlington wanting to avenge an earlier defeat away to Ferryhill in the league the game started very quick for both teams with lots of energy and competitive challenges.

Both teams had lots of possession and Darlington slightly edging it and having more chances that ultimately lost momentum or the wrong decision made in the final third. The first half was goalless at half time.

Darlington started the second half much brighter and had some opportunities that were again wasted until the forward partnership of Jack Mortimer and Mathiew Kirokiro eventually clicked and Kiro finished to make it 1-0.

Darlington kept the pressure on and if wasn’t for the Ferryhill keeper pulling off some amazing saves Darlington could have run away with the game, but had to settle for a single goal victory.