Darlington FC U19's grabbed a valuable point against high flying York City U19's in the National League Academy North at York City Training Ground yesterday afternoon.

Last season's Academy Player of the Year Reece McMann gave the Quakers the lead from the penalty spot, but York fought back, and half-time substitute Max Ezard grabbed an equaliser for the home side.  

Darlington FC U19 manager Stephen Elliott said; "It was a hectic opening twenty minutes to the match. After this, I felt we settled and managed to get our attacking players on the ball in area’s of the pitch that caused York problems. We took the lead from the penalty spot after a spell of some fantastic football.

"York are a big physical team and they were always going to be a tough test for our lads. They probably had the best of the second half, but I felt our lads defended really well and a draw was a fair result. Special mention for Liam Mason in goal who made his academy debut today. He is a big Darlington fan and he represented his club outstandingly in the game. He made some top saves and was a calming presence throughout. The lads will continue to learn as the season goes on and that is the main aim here".

Darlington midfielder Ciaran Dixon said; "It’s a strong point away from home against a good York City side. After a tentative first 20 minutes, I felt as though we dominated the rest of the half and the goal came from this. The second half was quite flat from us, they went more direct bringing their physical lads on. Our defence was brilliant in the second half, they kept it tight helping us to secure a valuable point. Every week I believe the boys are showing improvements in training and in matches, we will look to get back to winning ways next week against Boston at home".

Three changes were made from the side that secured an opening day 5-2 win against Altrincham. Goalkeeper Liam Mason came in for his academy debut, full back Colin Jangira was handed his full debut and midfielder Tyler Kirk returned from injury. 

After a cagey opening 20 minutes to the game, Darlington started to settle, and took control of the possession. In the 32nd minute, a great passage of play led to a perfectly threaded pass by Reece McMann to Tyler Kirk who was then fouled in the box. 

Reece McMann converted confidently from the spot, with a well placed right footed shot into the goalkeeper's bottom left corner. 

Darlington began to find a lot of space on both flanks, with midfielders Reece McMann and Ciaran Dixon causing the home side's defenders a lot of problems. An equally as impressive display from Darlo's defence in the first half meant that the lads went in with a deserving 1-0 lead at half time.

Three substitutions and a change in formation from the hosts at half time as they looked to get back into the game, and just after the hour mark one of those brought the home side level. A poor clearance from Darlo's defence was punished by York City midfielder Kieran Clayton who played a great through ball to substitute Max Ezard who finished confidently past Darlington keeper Liam Mason. 

The hosts began to dominate, and in stoppage time a heroic Liam Mason made a number of great saves to ensure Darlington took home a valuable point.

Starting XI: Mason, Jangira (Maw 67'), Rudd, Groom (C), Murray, Chidanyika, Stacey (Bradley 73'), McMann, Kirk (Vallis 56'), Dixon, Oppong (Dagnall 86')

Subs not used: Walters