A stoppage time equaliser stopped the Quaker U19's taking home all three points in a 1-1 away draw against Chesterfield FC U19's in the National League Academy North.

Darlington FC U19's manager Stephen Elliot said; "I really enjoyed parts of our performance today. We scored a great goal and could have had more. Our decision-making at times could have been better. It was a competitive game between two teams that worked really hard. Losing a goal with more or less the last kick of the game is frustrating and makes you feel that bit more disappointed but once again hopefully the lads will learn from this experience. They give me their all every day and I have no doubt they will continue to do so".

Darlington FC U19's goalkeeper Liam Mason said; "I thought the boys played very well throughout the game and deserved more than a point. We defended extremely well in the game and we were very unlucky to concede late on. It was a good reaction from last week and to take a point away from home against a tough opponent is not a bad result. Hopefully, we can get back to winning ways against Blyth".

There were two changes and a change in formation from the side that lost 0-4 to Notts County last game. Liam Mason replaced James Hopkinson in goal and David Bradley replaced Charlie Mitchell who missed the game through injury. There was also a first place on the bench for first-year Ethan Cuthbertson.

Darlington started the game on top, with wing-back for the day David Bradley finding a lot of space out on the right channel. 

The lads' positive start to the game was almost rewarded with an early goal. Seven minutes into the game, Sean Chidanyika won the ball back high up the pitch and then played a great through ball to Reece Mcmann who then delivered a dangerous low cross along the box to Ciaran Dixon whose shot went narrowly wide of the Chesterfield goal. 

This missed opportunity seemed to spur Chesterfield on, as they grew into the game and Darlington goalkeeper Liam Mason was called upon to make a number of good saves to keep the scoreline level. 

Despite Chesterfield dominance, the scoreline remained goalless with half-time approaching. Minutes before the break, McMann found space in the middle of the park and drove forward, and played a ball into Raphael Oppong on the edge of the box who unleashed a powerful shot over the Chesterfield bar.

Darlington took the lead in the 61st minute of the game through an excellent free kick by Raphael Oppong. 25 yards out from goal, Oppong whipped a shot over the Chesterfield wall into the keeper's far right corner.

Darlington managed the rest of the game well and looked set to take home all 3 points.

In the 91st minute, a long ball forward was not dealt with by the Darlington defence and they were made to pay by the Chesterfield forward to grab a late equaliser for the home side. 

Starting XI: Mason, Chidanyika, Murray, Maw (Kirk 45'), Rudd, Groom, McMann, Winstanley (C), Oppong, Dixon & Bradley (Dagnall 59')

Subs not used: Pontone, Cuthbertson & Marsden