The Quaker U19's suffered their first defeat of the season yesterday against an impressive Chester FC U19's in the National League Academy North Division.

Darlington FC U19 manager Stephen Elliott said; "It was a good test for our lads against a very experienced Chester team. We could have got back into game if the penalty went in as we were on top for the first 20 mins of the second half. But all in all, our lads will have learned a lot from that game and we move onto next week".

Team captain Jack Winstanley said; "It was a tough game against a strong, physical Chester side. However, I felt that we never really got going ourselves in the first half. The first 20 minutes of the second half was a lot better and we took the game to Chester. If we managed to put the penalty away or score from one of our well-worked chances, then I think the result could have been different. However, we know ourselves, as a collective, we need start games a lot faster than we did in order to get better results. Ultimately, it was a steep learning curve for us and we look to bounce back next week at Gateshead with a much improved performance".

Three changes were made from the side that drew 0-0 with Boston United last Wednesday. James Hopkinson replaced Liam Mason in goal, captain Jack Winstanley returned to the side to replace Sean Chidanyika and there was a first start of the season for midfielder Dan Maw replacing Tyler Kirk.

Chester came firing out the blocks, causing Darlington a lot of problems down the right channel. The away side had the ball in the back of the net on the 17th minute but the goal was disallowed as the referee judged there to be a foul on Colin Jangira in the build up to the goal. 

Minutes later and Chester had their opening goal of the game. Chester no.10 Reece Daly beat two Darlington players on the right channel and pulled the ball back for Harry Griffiths to score.

The ever dangerous Reece Daly almost added a second for the visitors, as the midfielder found a good bit of space on the edge of the Darlington box and fired a shot just over Hopkinson's goal. 

With little to do in the opening 25 minutes, the Chester defence were almost caught napping when a long ball forward by Adam Groom wasn't dealt with by the Chester defence and the ball fell nicely to Reece McMann who fired a half volley just over the Chester goal. 

There was a massive blow for the Quakers in the 32nd minute, as defender Liam Murray had to come off injured and midfielder Dom Stacey had to slot in at left back.

Chester added a second goal of the game in the 42nd through Reece Daly. The half time whistle couldn't come soon enough for the Darlington U19's.

The boys came out fighting in the second half and took the game to Chester. On the 55th minute, a great break by Ciaran Dixon, who then found McMann with space on the left and he delivered a dangerous ball into the box that was parried by the Chester keeper, but Oppong volleyed the ball over the bar. 

In the 62nd minute, Dom Stacey played a great ball over the top for Raphael Oppong to run onto, Raphael looked to head the ball over the keeper and was fouled in the process and the referee made no hesitation in awarding Darlington a penalty.

Reece McMann stepped up to take the penalty, but saw his shot into the right corner saved by the Chester keeper.

The Quakers were made to rue this miss, as minutes later Chester added a third goal of the game to seal the win for the away side.

Starting XI: Hopkinson, Jangira (Pontone 69'), Rudd, Groom, Murray (Vallis 32'), Winstanley (C), Stacey, McMann (Dagnall 82'), Maw (Walters 85'), Dixon (Maw 76') & Oppong 

Subs not used: Bradley