Darlington u18s 3 Durham City u18s 2

Darlington started very well and looked extremely sharp, showing signs of constant goalscoring threat every time they attacked.

The Quakers hit the post early on in the game through a spectacular Nathan Stephenson shot, but Durham caught Darlington on the counter and found themselves 4v3, a killer ball in behind found their striker who finished well to make it 1-0 to the visitors despite calls for offside.

This didn't affect Darlington’s effort and they kept pressing, the equaliser came through Lewis Reece who picked up a bad defensive error and found himself staring into an empty goal, Lewis equalised to level 1-1.

Darlington turned the game on its head five minutes later through a Nathan Stephenson deflected shot which sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 2-1.

The home side continued to control the game and deservedly got a third through good build up play from Jordan Lee and Nathan Stephenson who slipped a ball into Daniel Pigg’s path and calmly slotted home to give the hosts a 3-1 lead. The visitors netted on 80 minutes to set up a nervous last 10 but the 18s grit and determination ensured that they took all three points and went eight points clear at the top.

Manager Andrew Jinks said; " I couldn't be there for personal reasons but the team was left in safe hands with Tom Thurgood who did an excellent job in ensuring we got the three points! James Marley and others were away which meant we had to shuffle the pack a little bit, Reece Allison stood in at centre back and showed he is more than capable of standing in when needed! The coaching staff through to all of the squad are determined to win the league and the result showed our unity and desire to do well in any situation. Well done to all involved!!"