Darlington Under 23s start their Wearside League season on Saturday with a home game against Easington Lane at Eastbourne, which is the start of a busy first month of the season when there are six league games.

Dan Summerfield looks back at a good pre-season:

With the exciting launch of the U23s and some top signings by manager Grant Cuthbertson to match it’s been an exciting preseason. The squad has been formed from the very successful youth u18s, ex-academy players and experienced senior footballers. It’s created a dynamic squad with heaps of talents and they’ll continue to develop on the pathway into Darlington FC first team.

 Pre-season kicked off with newly formed Haughton-le-Skerne FC, the first time the boys had played together and the first half showed that. But as the rhythm and chemistry was building, the second half became incredibly dominant for the Darlo U23s. New signing and last season's Wearside top scorer with 49 goals Jack Mortimer bagged five and another new signing in Toby Sparrow scored a worldie. The game ended 10-1 and showed the potential of the squad already.

 On to Spennymoor u18 next, who have several of their players already training with the first team, so it was due to be a tough test. Many of the boys had played them last season, with the game ending in a draw. Jack Mortimer at the double again but the boys played their absolute heart out, captain Thomas Southwood strong at the back and it was only a late equaliser from Spenny that made it a 2-2 draw.

 Brandon FC, who were in the Northern league last year, were the next test, and a good one for the boys against a big physical team and they fared incredibly well. With lots of subs and trialists to squeeze game time into, the flow of the game was disrupted, so it was impressive for the boys to come out with a 0-0 draw. Owen Smith and Alfie Fawcett showed very strong performances in that one.

The final of the pre-season run outs was against Boro Rangers featuring players from their u18 up to their men’s. A very hot day over in Middlesbrough but the boys worked tirelessly. Two trialists were leading the line and from pressing hard they created a goal, a soon to be announced signing with a lofted finish. A sharp Boro rangers side pulled a couple back before Kayne Williams smashed a volley home that almost broke the net. It took a wonder goal to break the deadlock and the game ended 3-2 to Boro, but another fantastic test for the boys and we walked away heads high.

The season starts with a home game at Eastbourne Sports Complex 4G vs Easington Lane reserves and we hope to see many of you down supporting the boys. 1.45pm Kick off! These boys are going to have a fantastic season, the talent in the squad is already top and the way they’ll develop in the league will continue to push them on. No doubt you’ll be seeing some of these boys make the step up into the first team squad over the next 12 months!

The Under 23s squad is;