Durham County Cup

Barnard Castle 1 Darlington FC Youth U13 1 (Darlington won on penalties)

Sunday saw a depleted Darlington Youth travel away, to an unknown quantity TGFA division 4 side Barnard Castle, in the second round of the County Cup.

The cold and bleak weather coupled with the large and vocal home support played into the hands of the home team ensuring the game was frantic from the first minute. It soon became clear it was going to be no walk in the park for the favourites, Darlington not able to get hold of the ball and play the passing game the travelling support are accustom to. Barnard Castle put absolutely everything in to their performance for the full duration of the match giving Darlington no time to settle.

A really scrappy first half saw a composed finish from short range by Spencer McCabe following a great through ball from Darlington's midfield to make it 0-1 at the break. Good performances from new signing George McCowie and midfielder Ben Jackson being the highlight of the halftime the away team.

The second half was much of the same, the home team giving it everything, battling for every ball. Barnard Castle finally got the deserved equaliser 10 mins before the end through a scrappy goal, Lewis Johnson, who was solid all game, having no chance.

The final whistle blew, dreaded penalties loomed.

Both teams finished all 5 penalties in amazing fashion leaving both keepers helpless and meaning sudden death, a scenario neither team bargained for prior to kick off. A nervy and somewhat disgruntled Barnard Castle full back stepped up putting the ball high to Johnson’s right who pulled off what can only be described as a 'worldy' save to knock the ball round the post with a really strong left arm leaving Spencer McCabe to scuff the winner over the hapless Barnard Castle keeper’s leg.

A tough game for the visitors but a victory all the same, we await the draw for the next round with baited breath....