Gateshead Leam Rangers Res 3–1 Darlington FC U23s

The result certainly doesn’t tell the full story of the U23s’ performance on Tuesday night in the first division of the Wearside League.

For the first 45 minutes, the lads were absolutely brilliant. They dominated large parts of the game, created chances and, with better finishing, could have gone into half-time two goals ahead against a quality Leam Rangers side that included several first-team players.

Just after half-time, they got the goal their performance deserved. Jesse Nelson produced a superb strike to put them ahead, and at that point they were totally in control of the game and looking the more likely side to score again.

However, around the 66th minute, the momentum of the game completely changed.

Jesse went into a challenge with a Leam Rangers defender and, while Jesse was on the floor, the defender appeared to stamp on him before kicking out. Jesse was shown a straight red card for kicking out.

Jack Mortimer was then shown a sin bin after questioning the incident. What was frustrating was that, from our perspective, the initial challenge and stamp appeared to go unpunished, with no yellow card being shown.

That left them playing with nine men.

The lads defended brilliantly and held out for around ten minutes, but the extra player eventually told. Two defensive mistakes allowed Leam Rangers to turn the game around and make it 2–1.

They pushed forward looking for an equaliser and, in doing so, left themselves exposed. Leam Rangers then scored a third against the run of play as they gambled to get back into the game.

Manager John Walters said: “That’s the best 60 minutes of football we have played this year. The lads were absolutely brilliant and, against a quality side, we were the better team for large periods.

“The sending-off completely swung the game in Leam’s favour and made it extremely difficult for us, especially when we were down to nine men.

“I’m disappointed with the result, but I couldn’t be prouder of the lads tonight. The performance, attitude and football we played for the first 60 minutes were excellent.

“If we keep playing like that, we will be okay. There is a lot for us to take from tonight, and I’m extremely proud of the players.”