The match started in great conditions with the sun shining along with a few showers to inject a bit of zip into the surface. The opening stages were very similar to a boxing match with both sides just feeling each other out. Seaham had the first chance with the number 10 using his quick feet to good effect before shooting wide of the goal. Joe Wilson played a ball through for Matty Pennal whose shot was rather comfortably saved.

A good battle was developing in the middle of the park with both sides wrestling for control. Seaham thought they had taken the lead when an excellent ball was played through, the centre forward raced onto it and finished well. Unfortunately for him he was caught offside by a back four that was being well marshalled by Matty Lovegreen and James Marley. Jordan Lee broke away down the left but his effort was well cleared away inside the area.

The decisive moment arrived just after half time. After a succession of corners Seaham had built the pressure on the Darlington back four. The ball was swung in and the excellent Jordan Skelton rose highest to head in the winning goal. Darlington threw on Adam Lee Shields to partner Pennal up front. Unfortunately, the equaliser did not arrive with the best chances falling to Jordan Lee with a far post header and a couple of set piece scrambles where the ball just wouldn’t fall to a Darlington player in the box. To their credit Seaham defended superbly well and deservedly added the cup to the league championship they had already secured.

From the Quakers point of view they have a young squad which will almost certainly grow from this experience and challenge for honours next season.

Extended highlights are below: