Redcar Ath U12s 1 Darlington FC Youth U12s 6

This was one of Darlo’s toughest games left on paper against an inform Redcar side that are trying to overtake us into second place and stop us getting promoted!!

The first half started tight with Darlo not quite able to get the killer ball into the box and Redcar’s left winger looking dangerous and causing Darlo some scary moments but good defending and keeping from Fynn Oli, Callum Moncur and Chrissy made Darlo hard to break down!!

After 15 minutes Darlo got control of the game and started to play some good football from the midfielders Jojo, Benjy and Josh always looking to send the pacey Harry and Jamo through!! This worked and Darlo went 1 up when Keating played Jamieson through and he coolly rounded the keeper and slotted home.

Darlo looked good now with the midfield getting control especially Jojo and Benjy in the middle but then from a corner on 22 minutes Redcar’s impressive winger met it and firmly headed into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 but just before half time Jamo brilliantly outpaced the defence and was pulled down and Moncur stepped up and coolly put the penalty into the top corner for 2-1 at half time!!

Half time the lads were asked to do the same again except could they provide a better composed ball into the danger area instead of wasting opportunities. And for sure like they have all season they didn’t disappoint, with Jamie Diamond on up top and his work rate and hold up play was brilliant and this gave the lads behind him the confidence to pass into his feet and make runs off him and this worked all second half as the Darlo lads were in no mood to let Redcar close the gap for promotion.

Darlo made it 3-1 when Diamond brilliantly won a corner and once again the quality of the corners were excellent and Moncur's set piece was met and volleyed in by Oli Clark 3-1 and now with Darren Waites and Louie on for extra energy down the flanks Darlo were in command.

The fourth goal was outstanding with great play and passing then a lay back to the edge of the box where the outstanding Jojo Crumpton smashed it into the bottom corner. Soon came the fifth off another quality delivery when Callum Moncur's corner was bundle over the line by a defender 5-1!! And with Chrissy Walters now getting the better of the Redcar winger Darlo were rampant and apart from good saves by the keeper Darlo would have scored a lot more as Jamo and Jamie were causing havoc. but the 6th goal came after some great ball control and skill from Keating left the defender for dead and Cooley side footed into the bottom corner to make it 6-1 at full time.

Coach Warren reflected:

I can't stress how good a win this was against a strong Redcar side going for promotion as well as us and to round it off Redcar’s manager shook our hands at the end and said there is no one anywhere near as good as our team this season and that we are the best side they have played so well done lads you were a credit to the club!!

MOTM was Jojo Crumpton for a great strike but also a top drawer controlled centre midfield display that had everything a manager could ask for tackling heading great attitude and determination as well as unbelievable passing all game well done Jojo and the rest of the lads only 4 games to go