Hebburn Under 13s 1 Darlington Youth Under 13s 0

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The Under 13s were minutes away from a point until they were beaten by a late goal.

Straight away George McCowie pushed up the pitch and was fouled in their half. Alex Tweddle stepped up, but the keeper saved the long shot. Hebburn attacked but Archie Bruce cleared his lines. Darlington pushed with some good passing play between Tweddle and Nichol. McCowie was causing problems again when the Hebburn defender shoulder changed him off the ball, no free kick given. Their huge striker broke free and had a 1v1 with our keeper, Lewis Johnson, who pulled off a magnificent save to deny him and then saved the follow-up shot, outstanding!! The new back four of Bell, Harland, Bruce and Pocock, were playing great for each other, moving, talking, covering each other, looking solid with every attack. McCowie, Ord, Nichol and Bell made some good 1-2 touches to play the ball up the park.

In the last seconds of the first half Nichol was about to take a shot when a high boot came in and took him out, NO Penalty.

Half Time:

Hebburn U13's 0 Darlington FC Youth U13's 0

Hebburn were quick off the attack and Johnston again pulled off a brilliant save. Jackson took the ball up the wing to feed Ruddick through into the box, the defender slid Ruddick but no penalty given. Hebburn made attack after attack but could not break the Darlington team down. Carvey and Hendrickson combined well on the right with Carvey running and running all match. Johnston came out to the ball, the forward had a high foot and caught Johnston on the thigh, as he was unable to continue, as in a lot of pain. Straight away Harvey Nichol stepped up to put the gloves on.

Lewis Smith dropped into mid-field to cover Nichol. Ruddick raced forward again only to be surrounded by three Hebburn players.

Hebburn again pilled on the pressure and Nichol cleared his goal time and time again making some great stops. With 5 minutes to go Hebburn finally broke free and hit a rocket into the right-hand corner giving Nichol no chance.

Final Score: Hebburn U13's 1 Darlington U13's 0

'An absolute fantastic performance by the whole squad, a pleasure to coach a team who plays like that, all worked well and extremely hard for each other. All the lads were great today, but a special mention to Harvey Nichol who was exceptional, thanks'

Squad: Lewis Johnston, Josh Bell Jack Harland Archie Bruce Sam Pocock Nathan Carvey Harvey Nichol Alex Tweddle Ben Jackson George McCowie Jermaine Ruddick

subs: Luca Hendickson, Lewis Smith, Tom Ord