Stokesley Under 13s 2 Darlington Youth Under 13s 3

Darlington Youth sponsored by Darlington Building Society, The Flintlock Inn & BTS Fabrications, were the visitors to current league leaders Stokesley FC.

After last weeks disappointing defeat to Redcar Town, the boys had something to prove, even though it was against current division leaders Stokesley FC. The game got under way with the early chances going the way of the home side, but Darlington soon got into the game and were knocking the ball around well, dominating possession and getting the occasional shot on goal from Moody and Wynn.The opening goal midway through the first half, however went to the home side, and against the run of play, Stokesley played the ball down the right, the winger who was suspiciously offside when he received the ball, turned inside Tristan Bowden Bloomfield and crossed to the Stokesley striker who was also clearly offside,who headed Stokesley into the lead passed Darlington Keeper Bradley Morrison.

The goal gave the home side some confidence and they began to press forward with intent, only some strong defending by the Darlington back four of Tristan Bowden Bloomfield, Tom Hindmarch, acting as stand in centre half, Kian Slater and Joe Hansen, and a super save by shot stopper Morrison kept the score at 1-0 into the break.

The second half, and Stokesley were 2-0 up within a matter of minutes of the restart, again in controversial circumstances, A shot from the Stokesley midfielder deflected off Kian Slater to fall to the home side striker, who was clearly stood in an offside position, Darlington's keeper had no chance and striker slotted home from 5 yards out.2-0

The lads were up against it now, Jacob Gibson who was doing a great job in defensive midfield, was moved back to Centre half, Alex Mason was deployed into defensive midfield and Tom Hindmarch was moved up to left midfield, alongside the hard-working Tom Horner. The pace and trickery of Hindmarch gave the visitors something to think about, there was now more attacking purpose to Darlington's play, first opportunity to Liam Wynn whose looping shot look destined for goal only for the keeper to reach back and knock the ball wide. It wasn't long before that threat paid off with a great move through the middle to Wynn who knocked the ball into the path of Oliver Johnson, who blasted past the Stokesley keeper 2-1

Darlington were back in the game and the lads pressed on, a chance however went the way of Stokesley with the striker clean through on goal and one to one with Morrison who sprinted from his goal and deflected the shot wide with his out sprawled foot. Two changes midway though the second half, Jack Browning for Alex Mason & Will Dixon for Tristan Bowden Bloomfield.

With eleven minutes left on the clock, Darlington were once again on the attack with Matty Moody playing on the left, some good skill and strength saw him sprint clear of Stokesley's right back and into the box, a great pass to Wynn seen the Darlington Striker slot home another impressive goal 2-2.

Darlington continued to move forward and with Moody and the hard working Johnson both playing well down the wings, Darlington had thought they had the winner through Johnson, only for the goal to be chalked off as offside, ironically!!

1 minute left to go, and some great play from Hindmarch saw another attack, this time the ball to Wynn who's shot was deflected to Johnson who shot instantly to give Darlington the lead this time around and fantastic win to keep their promotion hopes alive.2-3

A great game for the neutral, a brilliant show of character from all of the team and a well deserved win!

Well done lads,you were great today!

MoM - Oliver Johnson.