The youth season started last weekend, and here are the match reports for four of our teams.

(Please note that because of FA rules, we are not allowed to publish some details, such as the ongoing score and final result)

Under 8s Quakers

Darlington Fc u8's Quakers had a great game at Newton Aycliffe juniors. Aycliffe took the lead with a Darlington mistake however ZAC REEVE brought the match level after scoring a free kick from his own half, JACK PARRY scored the next with a scorcher.

TRAVIS HARRISON played the majority of the game up front scoring a very good goal which he deserved with some very good shots.

MILLER SHIELD scored some very good goals whilst creating some good chances for his team mates down the line. Darlington started to play some very good two touch passing around the pitch to create some great opportunities.

Darlington keeper BEN WILLAMS pulled some great saves to keep the score line down for Darlington in what would be a very good game.

Captain APO BAKAN played in a utility role and was excellent creating opportunities for the lads and stopping goals going in with some great defending.

Overall it was a great way to start the season for the lads with the whole team showing an unbelievable work rate and intensity. MOTM TRAVIS HARRISON.

SHIRT SPONSOR - 1 AB TAXI

Under7s Feethams

A bright start from Feethams, great footwork from Cena-Cole taking three of the Allstars players out the game after a great pass from left sided midfielder Alfie Fenwick, the keeper had to pull off a smart save to keep the score line at 0-0.

Shortly after Harry Bass struck a powerful shot from outside the box after catching the Allstars players on the counter attack, again the keeper with a smart save tipping the ball past the post. Ethan Sweet kept the defence strong dealing with any Allstars players with well timed tackles. The lads were keeping the ball playing some good football and looked to score the first goal of the game in the first 10 minutes .After getting fouled and landing awkwardly Harry Bass was subbed off for Riley Nisbet who was making his first appearance for the Feethams.

Allstars started brightly making it difficult for the Feethams to play football, goalkeeper Reece Dixon managing to stay calm to collect the ball on a few 1v1s, Harry Bass was subbed back on for Alfie Fenwick and Josh Everett replaced Ethan Sweet. The second half was back and forward between both teams with Cena-Cole again dribbling past most of the all stars players and Feethams playing some good football, defender Josh Everett was calm at the back making some good tackles and playing the ball out to Feethams midfielders Harry Bass and Riley Nisbet.

Men of the match - Cena Cole Preistley and Harry Bass

Darlington FC U9’s away to Leven Whites

League Match - Sunday 10/09/2017

With good conditions DFC kicked off with all the early pressure, two early corners and flurry of shots, one converted by Adam. The pressure continued with a cross from Tom met by Adam. In quick succession Tom's shot added to the scoreline. With all the DFC possession, Connor earned a free kick just in the Leven half, he got up to take it and converted from 25 yards out. Further dominance and the U9’s went close with shots from Lucas, Darcy, Tom and Adam.

Whilst keeping the same formation Dan made three changes at half time. Again all the pressure and possession from Darlington, a pass though by Connor with a shot by Max bringing a save and corner, followed by more shots and a great save from the Leven Goalkeeper. Moments later Adam hit a 25 yard shot for his hat trick. More passing, possession and marauding runs down the left from Harley followed. Matt kept his concentration at the back looking confident and assured as a rare Leven attack fizzled out. Then Max was played through from midfield again bringing a save from the opposition goalkeeper, not to be beaten Max got his goal moments later.. Minutes later another run and cross from the left by Harley with Adam on the end of it just went wide. Next, Max tested the goalkeeper again forcing a good save. With the game coming to a close Adam went on a mazy run and finishing for his fourth.

Match Report by Jamie Hodgson

U10s match report

Darlington under 10s started their league season at home to Stockton Town.

The Quakers lined up with Luke James in goal, a back three consisting off Issac Marr, Ben Snowden and Oliver Mason. The attacking fire power was provided by Will Coxon, who was supported by Harry Coley and Oliver Beacom.

The first half was an even affair with both goalkeepers being tested. Will Coxon was unlucky not to break the deadlock, while Luke James in the Darlington goal produced two outstanding saves in quick succession.

The second half saw Darlington push for a goal, but it was not to be. Issac Marr bombed forward on several occasions, as well as substitute Lincoln Newell who was unlucky not to score with minutes remaining.

Man of the match went to Harry Coley who had a debut to remember. Harry provided strength and energy in midfield, and was unlucky not to score late in the second half.

Onto the first round of the cup next week

Darlington U-15 Feethams 1 Guisborough Town 'Red' 1

Darlington kicked off the new season in the top flight at home to Guisborough Town. They were greeted with a strong wind blowing down the pitch.They started the game the stronger team creating several chances Ollie Johnson pulling the ball wide after cutting in from the right and Bailey Proudlock also going close firing a shot from the edge of the box inches over the bar. Chances continued to rain in but at half time the score remained goalless, the visitors failing to create a single chance. Any attack being snuffed out by the largely dominant back four of Darlington.

The second half kicked off though with the game being a much more even contest. Guisborough using the wind to their advantage to gain a foothold in the game. Half way through the half though Spencer Soakell played a slide rule pass to release Kieran Longstaff one on one against the keeper. Kieran kept his cool sliding the ball to the keeper's left only to be denied by a superb save, the ball almost past the keeper before an outstretched hand somehow kept the ball out. Guisborough continued to up the pressure and were finally rewarded when Darlo keeper Kenzie Alton failed to claim a high ball from a corner, unable to reach it through a crowd of players, the ball dropping for a simple tap in to put the visitors one up.

With little over 15 minutes left Darlington began bombarding their opponents' goal winning numerous corners but to no avail. Meanwhile at the other end Kenzie Alton made amends saving a close range shot with his feet. The game became stretched as Darlington strived to find an equaliser, often leaving themselves short handed at the back in doing so. On more than one occasion fullback Joe Hanson came to their rescue with superbly timed last ditch tackles. With minutes remaining centre half Kieran Bowers was pushed up front to bolster the attack. It wasn't long until Kieran broke into the box on the right hand side before being brought down on the edge of the six yard box. A penalty was awarded which was hotly disputed by the opposition leading to a short delay before the penalty could be took. During this time though Bailey Proudlock who had claimed the ball immediately stood patiently waiting to take the kick. Finally as things were calmed down, Bailey took a short run up before confidently dispatching the ball into the net. Two minutes later the whistle blew to signal the end of the game.

Looking back all three points had been up for grabs if first half chances had been taken but the lads in the end will have been thankful to grab a point. While they were not at their fluent best, they still played some good football.

Notable mentions for Spencer Soakell at the heart of midfield who played numerous passes in behind the defence and Kieran Bowers who was largely dominant in the air at the back. Man of the match though was awarded to Joe Hanson who seemed to have limitless energy and made several superbly timed tackles.

Next weekend sees the lads take on Norton & Stockton Ancients 'Black' in the League Cup.