Shildon Under 18s 3 Darlington Youth Under 18s 3

The game started frantically with neither team able to get a foothold on the game. Possession continued to be exchanged and the fist 15 minutes became a scrappy affair.

The breakthrough came from a well-worked corner which met Lewis Walton’s head to flick into the net.

The hosts showed their aerial strength by constantly putting pressure on the Darlington defence and hit the bar. Soon after, it was a ball from deep which met the head of the Shildon centre back to score the equaliser.

Shildon continued to show their aerial presence and soon after scored another well-worked corner. Shildon continued to pile on the pressure and made it 3-1 on 35 minutes.

Ethan Harker was fouled inside the box following an excellent bit of solo play. Nathan Stephenson stepped up to take but the keeper saved the penalty low to his left.

The Quakers came out for the second half with more energy and intent to get back into the game. Lewis Walton took three players on and found himself in the box and he floated the ball into the top corner with his right foot.

The constant pressure showed when a second penalty was given when Nathan Stephenson was brought down in the box. Lewis Rees this time stood up to take the penalty and scored to make it 3-3 two minutes from time.

Adam Lee-Shields found himself through on goal with just the keeper to beat, he rounded him and was brought down, and so the referee awarded another penalty.

Lewis Rees again stepped up, but the keeper saved.

Full time Shildon 3 Darlington 3

The result was fair, and for Darlington to come back from 3-1 down to draw showed how willing we are to work hard as individuals. We must start better in future games but this was a good result against a very strong Shildon side whom we expect will take some points off good teams.