Stockton Town Blues 0 Darlington FC Youth U14s 5

Away kit sponsored by MCC Utilities Limited

Darlington travelled to Stockton Town Blues for their first league match of 2017.

The weather was sunny but there was definitely still a chill in the air as they kicked off on the 3G surface.

The game started at quite a pace though Darlington as ever were the ones who played the better passing game of the two teams. After 6 minutes Tom Horner fired a shot towards goal from eight yards out only for the keeper to brilliantly parry it away, Tom though super alert followed in and nodded it in for the lead. Those watching who thought the visitors might now run away with the game were mistaken. Stockton kept plugging away, though Kenzie Alton in the Darlo goal was rarely stretched. Liam Wynn went close just brushing the post as did Kieran Longstaff just before the break. 

The second half carried on in the same vein, the Quakers looking the more likely team to score.

When it looked as if the hosts may actually threaten, the defence was marshalled as always by Alex Mason, who stood solid with Kian Slater, Jack Browning and Tristan Bowden Bloomfield all doing their bit too. An injury to midfield terrier Joe Hanson caused the coach to reshuffle his pack a little bringing on Kevin Cook on the right with Spencer Soakell moving infield to a central position. Spencer started to find an extra little bit of space playing numerous dangerous looking balls through the defence. Kieran and Liam up front revelled in their new found supply line and an exquisite ball over Stockton's centre back from Spencer left Liam to beat the keeper with a typically precise finish into the bottom corner of the net. This goal unleashed the boys somewhat, easing the pressure that had built up from their previously slender advantage.

Midfield enforcer Adam Webstell ventured forward hitting a venomous shot which flashed wide but it wasn't long before they added a third, this time Alex Mason turning provider for Liam Wynn to add his second and the team's third. Darlington were far from finished and the live wire Kieran Longstaff squared superbly for Liam to complete his hat trick from ten yards out. A fifth was added with undoubtedly the pass of the game. Spencer Soakell threading a beautifully weighted ball past three defenders allowing Kieran Longstaff to grab a thoroughly deserved goal of his own. That was to be the final goal of the game giving a final score of 5-0.

Though on paper it may look an easy enough win, there were long periods when the game was in the balance and a lot tighter than the score line suggests. Another clean sheet a welcome bonus to add to the three points gained. A great all round team performance, not one player looking below par and the quartet of Alex Mason, Spencer Soakell, Liam Wynn and Kieran Longstaff excelling. 

It should also be noted that left footed top scorer Liam found the net twice with his right foot - something Liam has been working on in training with encouragement from his coach!

MOTM: Kieran Longstaff