Darlington Youth FC Under 14s 3  South Park Under 14s 1

The Quakers welcomed division leaders South Park to Eastbourne. Prior to the game the maths were simple. To win the division Darlington had to beat their visitors and then win their next three games to be certain. Promotion would be claimed winning three of their four remaining games.

The hosts started positively controlling most of the play and challenging for almost every ball, closing down their opponents at every opportunity. Their tenacity paid off after fifteen minutes, Liam Wynn surging down the left before pulling back for Kieran Longstaff to finish with a sweetly hit half-volley with his right foot.

Play carried on with the home team creating the majority of chances while when pressured the back four dealt with their visitors’ efforts. Both teams forced corners and it was from a South Park corner that the lads countered swiftly through Spencer Soakell, Tom Horner and Liam Wynn who found Kieran Longstaff who shot from close range on the left, the ball deflecting against the full back before nestling in the net.

Both teams had chances, the visitors dangerously giving Liam Wynn chance to find his range giving away several free kicks. Liam went extremely close with a forty yard attempt that went just inches over the corner of the goal. At the other end the defensive quartet of Alex Mason, Kian Slater, Joe Hanson and Sandy Gardner looking impressively solid when called upon.

In at the break two up, the boys came out for the second half in similar fashion. Not always pretty to watch but effective and very competitive. The visitors continued to ask questions despite trailing, Kenzie Alton in the home goal called into action on numerous occasions. On one such occasion Kenzie saved at full length to his right hand side denying what seemed to be heading for a certain goal. Darlington though continued to apply pressure at the other end, Kieron Longstaff and Olly Johnson both seeing efforts saved. Fifteen minutes in though Darlington made it three. Olly Johnson raced down the right before squaring for Tom Horner to tap in at the far post. Almost immediately the advantage was reduced back to two, the defence finding themselves flat footed allowing a tap in from close range. South Park smelling blood continued to press and five minutes later won a penalty, Kian Slater handling inside the box while attempting to head clear. As spectators held their breath the penalty taker strode confidently up before seeing his right footed shot hit the foot of the post. In the remaining minutes the play remained even, Darlington's nerve holding to see the game to its conclusion.

A special mention to the central midfield of Luke Corr, Spencer Soakell and Tom Horner who ran themselves into the ground fighting for every ball and very second ball.

A great team performance, playing for one another, standing up to be counted when it mattered. Man of the Match was awarded to two goal hero Kieran Longstaff who along with his compatriot on the opposite flank Olly Johnson worked tirelessly up and down the pitch in defence as well as attack.