Darlington FC Youth U13's 2 St. Aiden’s Black Cats U13's 6

Premier League

Squad: Lewis Johnston, Jermaine Ruddick, Sam Pocock, Josh Bell, Jermaine Ruddick, Ben Jackson, Alex Tweddle, Luca Hendickson, Lewis Smith, Archie Bruce, Nathan Carvey, Jack Harland, Tom Ord and Harvey Nichol.

Several positions were changed for this match, as practiced in training, Josh Bell went to right back, Harvey Nichol played centre midfield and Jack Harland came in at centre back.

The lads took 10 minutes to settle into the game, as St Aiden’s pressed but Jack Harland made a few good tackles inside the box to deny the visitors. Jermaine Ruddick made a great through pass to George McCowie, who was slightly off side. Ben Jackson battled on the left putting Ruddick through only for the keeper to collect.

St Aiden’s broke free of the defence, but Lewis Johnston made a great save to deny the first time shot.

McCowie was through again, but his shot came off the defender’s hand, penalty! Ruddick stepped up to calmly slot it home, 1-0.

The game re-started only for McCowie to be fouled on the outside of the box. After a short discussion by the lads, a set piece was planned and executed by an absolutely sweet stuck shot from Harvey Nichol, the keeper had no chance.

Aiden’s attacked again and again but the back line of Bell, Harland, Bruce and Pocock were dealing with everything thrown at them.

New midfield partnership of Nichol and Tweddle seemed to work well as both lads help each other, while Jackson and Carvey ran and ran down the wings.

St Aiden’s broke into the box and Harland used his strength too much to shield the ball and a penalty was given, 2-1.

Again the ball was cleared from an attack but the midfielder hit the ball with a very powerful crack giving Johnston no chance, 2-2.

Half time: Darlington 2 St. Aiden’s 2

Black Cats came out fighting straight away from the whistle forcing another great save from Johnston. Tom Ord had a long shot just wide and a free kick hit the top netting of the cross bar. Hendrickson on the right played Smith though on goal and forced the keeper out to clear his lines.

St Aiden’s pressed and pressed, with Johnston pulling off some fantastic close range shots and 1v1's. Sam Pocock also putting his body on the line by blocking two shots. Unfortunately, they broke the defence twice with two very well taken goals. The lads never gave up and made some great chances, as they made their way up the pitch with some good triangular passing. Again, Johnston had no chance with four further fantastic goals from the No.7 to end the match.

Full time: Darlington FC Youth 2 V St Aiden’s Black Cats 6

'The lads played well in the new positions, they moved and played like a unit today with some very good passing movements. Unfortunately, couldn't put away the chances and St. Aiden’s scored some well worked goals. I would have been disappointed if the lads’ heads had dropped but they battle on and tried to get back into it but I think fatigue kicked in! the score line flattered the visitors a bit' JAC