Norton Stockton U12s 2 Darlington Youth FC U12s 2

After sealing promotion two games ago in a very competitive division, Darlo entered this final league game missing a couple of players but still aiming to finish the season well as the team had only lost twice all season, which was the same record as league winners Billingham had achieved.

On a big pitch and windy conditions, this was a tough end of season game against a strong Norton outfit.

In an even first half and Darlo changing players’ positions about every 15 minutes there weren't many scoring chances but Norton stunned Darlo with a good long range effort to take the lead 1-0.

Darlo as they have done all season rolled up their sleeves and got at the opposition and created chances especially from some well-composed play from Moncur, Keating and Walters along with the lively Dixon, Sams and Diamond up front and it was a move from these players that ended up with Dixon hitting a shot in the net just before half-time to make it 1-1.

The second half and with Darlo now having the wind behind them, were in control with Crumpton, Moncur and Waites along with Davidson controlling the back line and Fynn in goal organising well. Darlo pressed and with Gibson giving width on the left and Walters and Sam up front Darlo looked a threat.

The second goal came when another great diagonal ball from Moncur was met on the run by Walters to volley Darlo in front 2-1.

But with lots of pressure for a third, Darlo were stunned with five minutes to go when Norton broke into the box and toe poked a winner past the helpless Fynn in goal 2-2.

Darlo pressed for the winner but Norton held firm and the final score was 2-2.

The Darlo lads were gutted at the end but were told to get there heads up as winning promotion to div 1 of the biggest league in the country was a major achievement and to only lose two games all season was exceptional!! Man of the match was a joint award to two good performers Callum Moncur and Chrissy Walters.