Quakers Under 13s' good run comes to an end
By Ray Simpson
Darlington Youth Under 13 Quakers 0 Darlington All Stars 1Darlington Youth sponsored by Darlington B...
Darlington Youth Under 13 Quakers 0 Darlington All Stars 1
Darlington Youth sponsored by Darlington Building Society, The Flintlock Inn & BTS Fabrications, were up against local rivals 21st AllStars in the second division of the TJFA.
It was second versus third going into play with AllStars three points behind Darlington, but with a game in hand over the young Quakers.
Darlington began the game well and could have been two goals up inside 10 minutes. First Corbyn Mitchell went close to opening the scoring but his shot from 18 yards cannoned off the crossbar with the AllStars keeper beaten.
Darlington were awarded a corner moments later with the pressure beginning to build on the visitors, but the hosts failed to capitalise as Jacob Gibson headed inches over following a great delivery from Liam Wynn.
Other than this, it was a half where clear cut chances were few and far between thanks to some excellent defending from both sides. However AllStars had their keeper to thanks towards the end of the half, clawing out a Tom Horner strike which looked certain for the top corner of the net.
HT 0-0 (35 Mins)
The second half was also a tight encounter and again clear cut chances were limited for both sides.
AllStars defended superbly throughout the game and the frustration began to set in as Darlington could not find a way past a stubborn defence which has only leaked eight goals during the season so far.
Just as it looked as though the young Quakers were beginning to get on top of the game, they were dealt a harsh blow with 50 minutes played. The Darlington defence failed to clear and the AllStars forward lashed his shot from outside the box past Bradley Morrison in the Darlington goal to give the visitors the lead.
Matters were made even worse for the home side when they lost Captain Tom Horner due to an ankle injury and also centre half Jacob Gibson (wrist) which has since been confirmed as a broken. The strong tackling defender will attend hospital again tomorrow but looks set to miss the next eight weeks.
The hosts threw bodies forward for the final minutes of the game but AllStars defended superbly, taking all three points and go level with Darlington, but have that all important game in hand.
FT 0-1 (70 Mins)
Man of the Match for Darlington was Joe Hanson.
