Darlington Youth U13s 2 Swalwell Jnrs U13s 1

Premier League

Team: Lewis Johnston, Josh Bell, Jack Harland, Archie Bruce, Sam Pocock, Tom Ord, Harvey Nichol, Alex Tweddle, Ben Jackson, George McCowie, Jermaine Ruddick

subs: Lewis Smith, Luca Hendrickson, Nathan Carvey

From the start Swalwell looked like a different side from last week’s game, passing the ball well, man marking and very attacking. Every attack was down their left hand side of the pitch, but every attack was cut short by Josh Bell, who has put a good shift in all season. The game was mainly played in the middle part of the pitch, either side breaking down the others attacks. Swalwell stunned Darlington by breaking through the defence to go 0-1 up. Wake-up time.

The lads pushed forward with Jackson, Ord, Tweddle and a hard tackling Nichol, trying to get through. Shots came from all midfielders and McCowie and Ruddick just couldn't get a break.

Finally Swalwell had a couple of corners which were caught comfortably by Johnston who was having a quiet game. Ruddick pulled one back to make it 1-1 just before half time.

Half Time: Darlington 1 Swalwell Jnrs 1

Second half, Hendrickson came on for Nichol and Carvey for Jackson, and immediately pushed for the second. Chances fell to Ruddick, McCowie, Carvey and Tweddle but their keeper, yet again, made some great saves to keep the score down. The defence line was no pushing further up the pitch, Smith, Pocock, Bruce and Harland closing down every attack. Smith played a great through ball for McCowie to be fouled 10 yards out side the box. Ruddick stood over the ball, played a short pass to McCowie and out of nowhere Pocock ran in and hit a thunder bolt from outside the box, 2-1.

Harland made a run from the back all the way up the pitch to lay Carvey through, but shot wide with his left foot.

Swalwell made a last attack and again Pocock came to the rescue with a fine block. Swalwell reverted to playing the long ball over the defence, but Bruce headed clear every attack.

Final Score: Darlington 2 Swalwell Jnrs 1

Match Report: Joshua Carverhill

Match Sponsors: Map Recoveries Ltd.