Under 23s return to winning form
By Ray Simpson
Good win over Coundon
After losing their first game of the season last Saturday, our Under 23s bounced back on Wednesday with a good 3-2 home win over Coundon Cons.
Goals from Steve Dawson, Matthiew Kiro and Jack Mortimer gave them victory over keeper Liam Mason pulled off an important penalty save in the first half.
Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; "It was a much better performance than the last game against a very good Coundon team. We were out the blocks from the kick off and played some really good football and all that was missing was a goal that was defended well by the away team.
The game kicked off with a decent crowd at Eastbourne Sports Complex to watch the boys, and it was Darlo who quickly got into their groove. Lots of really smart, technical football from our boys as they worked up the pitch and kept possession well. You could sense a goal was coming as continuously knocked on the door.
Stevie Dawson was the man to break the deadlock, a shot from far followed up by Dawson to tap home a smart poacher’s finish and give the boys a well-deserved lead. Although moments after in our own box a fortuitous penalty given to Coundon made for a nervy moment. Luckily Liam Mason in net is known for his penalty saves and this was no different, getting down low and fast to make an unreal save at a crucial moment in the game. The boys went in 1-0 up.
Shortly after the break Coundon held some good pressure and managed to grab a goal back but it was still Darlo who was pushing the most. Kiro and Mortimer continually combining upfront, it took what’s quickly becoming their signature with Jack breaking the lines with a smart pass into Matthiew who finished calmly round the keeper and it was 2-1 Darlo.
A flurry of really smart saves from Liam Mason to keep the boys in it and pushing up the other end, Alfie Robinson helping out with a really strong defensive performance and getting up the wing consistently well resulted in another chance for our boys. This time it was our Kiro setting up Mortimer for a tidy finish home and 3-1. Coundon nicked a late goal back but the boys held strong to get a well deserved victory, 3-2. POTM Liam Mason for the penalty save and crucial saves throughout.
Starting Line-Up:
Liam Mason, Alfie Robinson, Owen Smith, Owen Harvey, Thomas Southwood, Oliver Walters, Jack Mortimer, Will Maddison, Matthiew Kiro, Steve Dawson, Alfie Fawcett
Subs: Toby Sparrow, Adam Glew, Jake Patterson, Harry Butters, Thomas Martin
The Under 23s next game is at Wrekenton Blue Star on Saturday.
