South Moor Under 17s 1 Darlington Youth Under 17s 3

An outstanding team performance today, as Darlington U17s travelled to play South Moor. Darlington got off to an excellent start, George Shaw scoring early, giving the away side the lead. Darlington continued to push forward, however were unable to score again in the first half, despite various penalty appeals and close cut chances, but playing with real quality.

Darlington started the second half well, pushing forward and again looking dominant, however, 20 minutes into the second half South Moor were awarded a very debatable penalty, for a questionable hand ball. They took this chance with a well struck penalty drawing the sides level. A few risky minutes followed for Darlington, until an excellent cross found Brad Kilpatrick, who put the ball into the back of the net, restoring the away side's lead. But this didn't look like it would last long as the home side were awarded yet another debatable penalty. However, this was excellently saved by Harry Dowding, maintaining Quakers’ lead, and ultimately causing the counter attack which settled the game. Dale Milburn's solo running effort, was finished by Lee Hume, extending the lead to 3-1, and ultimately winning the game.

An excellent performance by all lads involved today in a match where everything seemed to be going against them.

Man of the match this week is split between skipper Sam Marshall for an excellent defensive display, and goalkeeper Harry Dowding, for an excellent penalty save which ended up being the difference from us drawing and winning .

The Under 17s next game is their County cup semi final against Gateshead Redheugh at Longfield next Sunday, kick off 1.30pm.