Marton FC Royal 0 Darlington FC Youth U14 4

MOTM – Liam Wynn

(Away kit sponsored by MCC Utilities Ltd)

Darlington made the journey to Middlesbrough to take on second placed Marton FC Royal. The game started at quite a pace but both teams were looking to pass their way to success. Although possession was largely 50/50, it was the visitors who looked more likely to score with the Marton 'keeper denying several chances that Darlington created to go ahead. The deadlock was broken after twenty minutes though, Olly Johnson breaking down the right flank before cutting in and firing a low accurate strike from 15 yards out. The rest of the first half followed a similar pattern, Liam Wynn and Kieran Longstaff both going close to adding another and Olly Johnson shooting narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

The second half started and the boys continued to look for a second and were awarded a penalty just five minutes in. Top scorer Liam Wynn stepped up to take it but smashed it over the bar, a let off for the home side. Five minutes later though Liam made amends firing a left footed thunderbolt into the roof of the net from ten yards out, the sheer power of the shot giving the 'keeper little chance of even getting a hand to it. Pressure from the hosts continued but Darlington's defence dealt with any threats that came their way admirably.

Marton started to play long balls over the top, such was the effectiveness of defensive midfield pairing Joe Hanson and Adam Webstall in breaking up play in midfield. Twenty minutes in Darlington added a third Liam Wynn turning provider with a square ball from the left for right back Spencer Soakell to burst into the box and tap home. The third goal eased the nerves but Darlington didn't stop there.

Liam Wynn won the ball on the half way line and burst past two defenders before rifling the ball into the corner of the net to the keepers left. That was to be the last of the goals in what ended in a comprehensive 4-0 victory over a team who had only been defeated once prior to today.

A great team performance, a first clean sheet, Kenzie Alton in goal having very little to do though which was a credit to the defence superbly marshalled by Alex Mason and Kian Slater.