South Shields Under 19s 3 Darlington Under 19s 2

The Academy lads put in another hard working performance against South Shields, but were unlucky to come back home without a point in the National League Under 19 Youth Alliance.

The lads again played some great football and scored two good goals through Sanny Lingthep and Cameron Holliday, but an older and more experienced Shields team just managed to edge them out by 3-2.

Head coach Alan White said; “It was a better performance than last week. The lads worked on being more aggressive and competitive, and that showed against a really good team. They defended well as a group, and were more robust.

“South Shields included several players who were a year older and more experienced, plus some of them had been playing for Newcastle before they went to Shields.

“We didn’t expect to get as close as we did to Shields, so it shows how well our lads did. They scored two great goals, had another cleared off the line, and went close to an equaliser in the closing minutes.

“There was lots of positive stuff, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s a big step forward.

“We still need to improve in one or two areas, but the lads will get it, I’m sure they will. We’re looking forward to the next game already.”

The Academy’s next game is at home to York City next Wednesday afternoon, 21^st November, on the back field at Blackwell Meadows, kick off 2pm.