Darlington Academy 4 Stocksbridge Academy 3

 

Darlington FC academy welcomed Stocksbridge Park Steels to Northallerton in a Northern Alliance League fixture that was sure to be a thriller and the 7 goals shared by both sides certainly ensured that this match lived up to the billing.

 

It was the visitors that took an early lead following a corner that should have been dealt with by the home side but a visiting player was on hand to finish from close range.

 

A good response from the hosts was rewarded with an early equaliser. A free-kick that was swung into the box was met by skipper Dan Maw and despite the best efforts of the Stocksbridge defender, the ball was over the line. The contentious goals panel later deciding that skipper Maw was to be awarded the goal.

 

The visitors managed to regain the lead soon after with yet another corner and a great first time finish beat Mason into the bottom corner. Deja vu as the hosts had to once again respond and it was man of the moment Leo Pontone that was set clear of the back line and he was able to finish emphatically to level up matters going into half time.

 

It will come as no surprise perhaps that it was once again the visitors that reclaimed the advantage from another corner. Swung into the back post, a strong header gave Stocksbridge the lead with 30 minutes remaining.

 

Good work from the lively Byron Dagnall down the left set up that man Pontone and he made no mistake finishing from 8 yards out. A chance was gifted to the hosts soon after to put the game beyond doubt from the penalty spot after a disputed handball in the box. Unfortunately, Pontone saw his effort saved and the scores remained level.

 

The visitors began to tire and the hosts were having the lion's share of possession with Kieran Marsden and Ethan Cuthbertson beginning to see plenty of the ball in full back positions, playing the ball through the channels with regularity. It was the latter who was pivotal in the game's key moment. Reuben Scotter won the ball in his own half, freed Cuthbertson down the right who in turn played in Lennon Harland into space down the right. The substitute carried the ball before sliding the ball across the box with laser-like accuracy for the man of the moment Pontone to arrive perfectly at the back post to smash the ball and cue scenes of delirium for Darlington and the travelling masses.

 

A deserved win for the team that continue to grow as a unit and play the game in the right way. Final Score: Darlington 4-3 Stocksbridge Park Steels.

 

Thank you to Northallerton Town for their ongoing hospitality and support this season.

 

Up the Darlo!