Under 23s win their first ever cup tie thanks to Owen
By Ray Simpson
Away win in Clem Smith Bowl
The Under 23s won their first ever cup tie in the Wearside League when they came away with a 1-0 from Gateshead Leam Rangers in the Wearside League's Clem Smith Bowl on Saturday.
The opponents play in a division higher than our Under 23s and so it was always going to be a tough task.
Darlington started the game with a few enforced changes due to suspensions and holidays but were very much the brighter and competed and made Gateshead work.
In the 15th minute Ethan Cuthbertson found himself free of his marker and in on goal only for the keeper to make a save. Darlington continued to press and found themselves in possession of the ball and positions of advantage but the Gateshead keeper remained resilient and kept them in the game until the 90th minute when Oliver Walters fired a free kick in low for Owen Harvey to get on the end of and score the winner.
Manager Grant Cuthbertson said; "We're very pleased with the performance and how the defence dealt with a very strong and wise centre forward and most importantly kept a clean sheet."
The Under 23s next game is at Eastbourne on Wednesday night and against Hetton, kick off 7pm.
