Darlington Spraire Lads Under 10's kicked off their first competitive game off the new season, since their recent promotion to Teeside Junior Alliance Division 1 away to Brinkburn Fc.

Spraire Lads knew they had to compete for every ball if they were to get anything out of the game, and this proved to be case as Spraire Lads started well, and looked composed on the ball.

Spraire looked solid right across the pitch, and with a solid back line, Brinkburn found it hard to create any chances, resulting in a quite game for Spraire Keeper Jack Smithurst.

Spraire lads made the breakthrough early on, when Ryan Jones hit a half volley just outside the area, which was drilled into the top corner.

Brinkburn pushed on looking for the equalizer, but with Lewis Walton and Bradley Middleton at the Back for Spriare, any such danger was shut out straight away. Spraire went in comfortably 1-0 up at half time.

In the second half, Spraire kept up there tremendous work rate, battling for every ball.

Towards the end Spraire made a couple of changes to freshen it up and seemed to pay, as Debutant Ryan Peart chased what looked like a hopeless ball down the left wing, he managed to keep it in, and square it to Luke Boardman who coolly slotted the ball passed the advancing keeper.

A fantastic start to the new season, more of this work rate will surely see the team finish above all expectations! MOTM was deservedly given to Captain Lewis Walton