Durham City 3 Darlington Under 23s 5

Another brilliant first-half performance secured all three points for the Quakers.

 

The U23s produced another outstanding first-half display to go into the break 4–0 up against a strong Durham City side.

 

From the first whistle to the 45th minute, the lads pressed aggressively, won their tackles, played some excellent attacking football and scored four fantastic goals through two goals from Steve Dawson and one each from Connor Armstrong and Kenneth Mashaya.

The only disappointment was that they could have gone into half-time 7–0 ahead, such were the number of chances created and missed.

Unfortunately, complacency crept into the second-half performance, allowing Durham City back into the game as they scored three goals, with the U23s adding just one more through Jack Mortimer.

Although the second half was disappointing, the damage had already been done by their fantastic first-half display.

 

Manager John Walters said: “For 45 minutes, that was the best football my team have played in the three years I’ve been involved with the U23s. The pressing, winning tackles, creating chances and then defending like our lives depended on it was outstanding.

“We dropped our levels in the second half and allowed Durham back into the game, which was disappointing. We need to learn from that because we cannot afford to switch off at this level.

“However, to come away with all three points on a cold, windy night in Sunderland against a strong Durham side is a great result. Overall, I’m delighted with the win and especially proud of the football we produced in that first half.”

The under 23s are at home to Darlington RA at Eastbourne on Saturday.

 

Man of the Match: Jamo Sheen, making his return from injure.

Ray Simpson