Darlington Under 23s 3 Wynyard Village 2

Darlington Under 23s just managed to hold on against a Wynyard fightback for the three points at Eastbourne in the Wearside League First Division on Saturday.

Here are the highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBc7dNO3y3Y

 Two goals from captain Jack Mortimer and one from Jesse Nelson gave the Quakers a commanding half-time lead, before a spirited second-half fightback from the visitors set up a tense finale.

The home side wasted no time in stamping their authority on the game, pressing high and moving the ball with real purpose. Their early intent was rewarded when Nelson latched onto a clever pass and finished calmly across the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

 Darlington continued to pour forward, and it was skipper Mortimer who took centre stage. First, he found space in the box to guide home a neat finish, and shortly after he added a second with a powerful strike that left the Wynyard keeper with no chance.

With the visitors reeling at 3–0, the Quakers looked in control, but Wynyard managed to reduce the deficit just before half-time, capitalising on a rare lapse in the Darlington back line to make it 3–1 at the interval.

The second half told a different story, with Wynyard committing more men forward and forcing Darlington onto the back foot. The visitors controlled possession for long spells and eventually found a way through, firing home from the edge of the area to set up a nervy final 20 minutes. Darlington, however, showed resilience. Goalkeeper Liam Mason dealt confidently with high balls into the box, while centre-back pairing Owen Harvey and Luca Dos Santos defended bravely under sustained pressure. On the counter, Steven Dawson and Liam Murray looked lively, and Mortimer almost completed his hat-trick with another late surge into the box, only to see his effort blocked.

Despite Wynyard’s pressure, Darlington stood firm thanks in no small part to the outstanding display of Luca Dos Santos, who earned the Player of the Match award. Commanding at centre-back, he read the game superbly, won countless aerial battles, and marshalled the defence with authority. His composure under pressure and ability to step in at key moments were vital in ensuring the Quakers held onto their lead.

When the referee brought proceedings to a close, Darlington were able to celebrate three hard-earned points. The result showcased both sides of their game: ruthless finishing in the first half, and gritty defensive resolve in the second. With this victory, the Quakers not only underline their attacking quality but also prove they have the resilience to see out tight encounters, a balance that will serve them well as the Wearside League season gathers pace.

Quakers are fifth in the table, with three wins from four matches, six points behind joint leaders Ferryhill and Belmont United.

Their next game is at home to Coundon and Leeholme United on Saturday, and then next week on 9th September they will be representing the club in the Durham Challenge Cup.