League Cup.

Away kit kindly sponsored by MCC Utilities Limited

MOTM: (Joint) - Alex Mason and Liam Wynne

Darlington FC Youth made the short trip to play a team in their own division in the cup.

Having already knocked out 1st Division opponents the lads were in a buoyant mood that they could get past this next hurdle.

They started off brightly but found themselves a goal down after 5 minutes. A free kick was floated across the six yard box which 'keeper Kenzie Alton seemed to have in his grasp only for a striker to knock it to the back of the net, the referee seeing nothing wrong.

Darlington continued to press the hosts though, their passing at times leaving the opposition dizzy. Things were soon level in the tenth minute, Olly Johnson squaring a superbly measured ball for Kieran Longstaff to tap home. Five minutes later Darlington deservedly took the lead, centre half Alex Mason beating a defender on the edge of the box before sliding the ball to the keeper’s left and into the net.

The boys continued to dictate things, outpassing the opposition and creating several chances as a result. Joe Lincoln and Adam Webstall worked tirelessly in the centre of midfield extinguishing TSC's attempts to create anything themselves. The lead was extended after 25 minutes when Tom Horner hit a measured left foot shot from just outside of the box that gave the keeper no chance.

The half time whistle blew giving the home side a little time to regroup and gather their thoughts.

They did come out after the break and put a little more pressure on Darlington but you got the impression that the visitors had another gear to hit if needed. Half way into the second half they added a fourth goal when Liam Wynne hit a left footed thunderbolt from 20 yards that rattled the underside of the bar and Kevin Cook was on hand, showing a striker's instinct to follow up and knock the ball in from a yard out.

Kevin returned the favour five minutes later sending Liam Wynne through with a precise through ball, Liam beating a defender then blasting the ball in from a tight angle on the left from five yards out. That was to be the last goal of the match.

A 1-5 score line by no means flattered the lads who played great football throughout on a small bumpy pitch that didn't really suit their style of play.