Peterlee 0 Darlington Under 14s Feethams 2

Report by Adam Hudson

Firstly thank you to our sponsor Ramside Hall.

Darlington travelled to third placed Peterlee who were trailing The divisional leaders by 5 point prior to kick off.

Darlington travelled with a few injuries which caused the lads to travel with lower numbers and having people playing out of position.

The game started with Lewis Johnson making his long awaited return to the sticks due to an injury to the regular goal keeper, Brad Wharburton.

Harlow returned to the side after a week’s summer training in Portugal to start the game out of position at right back along side Max Booth, Archie Bruce and our regular left back Alex Tweddle.

Ben Jackson returned from injury who occupied the wide eight position due to club captain Tom Ord being away. Jacko lines up with the solid presence of Josh Hatton on his side with captain George McCowie playing central of a 5 man midfield.

Christopher Skull played to the left of the 3 central midfielders with Tyler Kirk occupying the left wing.

After a long week young Tom Blackham completed the starting line as a line striker.

Darlington started the game bright and got on the ball very early. Darlington controlled the game and didn’t give Peterlee chance to play football.  After some quick passing and moving and numerous counter attacks the ball fell kindly to Skully who was around 25 yards out and managed to get a shot away some how after being surrounded by 4 Peterlee players. The shot wasn’t the most accurate or powerful but thankfully for Darlington the ball managed to go through the keeper’s legs to give Darlington an early lead.

Darlington continued to apply pressure and stepped the game speed up a level and started to play some very good football using the wife men of Jacko and Tyler.

Darlington’s second goal came after 25 minutes when Archie Bruce broke down play from a promising Peterlee attack and the ball fell to Josh Hatton who played a magnificent through ball from roughly the half way line and give Tommy Blackham space to get in behind the defender. Once Blacky was inside his man it wasn’t ever in doubt and Blacky puts Darlington 2-0 up.

Half time Peterlee 0-2 Darlington

The second half Darlington found them playing against the wind and uphill but this didn’t matter to the lads. Lewis Johnson had a few saves to make which he made look comfortable and after 10-15 minutes of the half Darlington give Harlow a break and brought on Sean Chidanyika on to play up front. From the minute Sean came on he bullied the Peterlee defence and broke the line on every opportunity !

Darlington then brought on more fresh legs with Simmi Tchabo Tchounga replacing Jacko who was recovering from injury.

Simmi and Sean using their fresh legs and power created Darlington more chances but we couldn’t turn them into goals. Simmi has lots of success down the channels and provided some brilliant through balls and pace to the side.

Darlington continued to press and saw the game out 2-0.

Man of the match today goes to Archie Bruce who was brilliant today and kept the lads in place and lead from the heart of defence.

Darlington travel to Lambton Street on May 12th to hopefully secure the title.

O’Briens 2 DFC Quakers Under 14 0

Report by Steve Cotterill

Darlo travelled to O.Briens looking for a win and started brightly on a poor pitch, Bobby Gray getting through only to see his shot saved from a tight angle. OBriens grew into the game forcing a great save from Matty Cotterill after 20 mins.

Darlo were on top without creating any chances and again O’Briens got in Matty Cotterill making a great double save. O’Briens pressed again Matty Cotterill tipping the ball round the post to keep them out. Connor Brown was lively and put in a great cross which Bobby Gray got his head to but the ball went wide . O’Briens took the lead on the stroke when the OBriens striker shot Thomas Lea blocked the shot and Matty Cotterill caught the ball only for the ref to give a free kick claiming a back pass which OBriens dispatched from 4 yards.

HT 1-0

The second half was pretty even like the first both teams cancelled each other out poor defending led to the Obriens striker getting clean through and he made no mistake for 2-0. Darlo suffered a few injury set backs to Mark Gent and Frankie Whealan which didn't help, but overall didn't do enough to win the game.

Matty Cotterill man of the match closely followed by good performances from Thomas Lea , James Morley and Bobby Gray .

FT 2-0