Stockton Town: The weather produced gale force conditions for Stockton Town's game at St Francis and it looked like it was going to be the main factor.
Stockton had wind in the first half but St Francis passed the ball around better and looked the most likely to score, but by half time the score was all-square.
The second half started with St Francis taking advantage of the wind by pinning Stockton in their own half and after 15 minutes of corners and pressure with man of the match Joe Andrew collecting and stopping everything. St Francis had a strike from outside the box that powered home the first goal of the match.
This was a good thing for Stockton as they then came to life, getting the ball down and passing out wide to attack. About five minutes later Stockton had the ball in the net as St Francis keeper spilled the ball but was ruled out. With time running out Stockton pushed up and gained a free kick which Harley Gibb struck for goal which the St Francis keeper brilliantly saved but couldn't hold on to and Adam Maplesden was first to react to tap in.
From the kick off Stockton regained control and a great move started by Jamie Moore ended out wide to Scott Hillerby who came towards goal and riffled the ball in the bottom corner to win the game 2-1.
Willington
THE Under-13s, who have enjoyed a successful season, reached the final of the Russell Foster Under-13 League Cup with an excellent performance at home to Chester le Street Waldridge Park.
The windy conditions did not make for good football but with the elements against them in the first half Willington still went in at the break a goal ahead courtesy of Adam Blair.
Waldridge Park were well organised but could not prevent Willington's Sam Hodgson making it 2-0.
Willington began to play some excellent football and wrapped up the semi final tie with further strikes from Peter Oliphant and Andy Shields. They will now play either East Boldon or Fulwell in the final.
Willington Under-15s went down 2-1 visiting Peterlee Oakley Travel in the Premier Division of the Russell Foster League. Adam Nichols equalised for Willington in the second half and the visitors then missed a number of chances before Peterlee struck with a late winner.
In the Russell Foster Under-17 Premier Division, Willington finished 4-2 ahead of Fulwell when Lien Howe produced a man-of-the-match performance.
In heavy conditions, Fulwell went ahead through Ryan Davison before Daryl Reed levelled. John Cunningham then put Willington in front only for Ryan Underwood to equalise but in the closing stages, Cunningham and Stephen Danby both scored for Willington.
Darlington Spraire Lads
Spraire Lads Under-8s went down 4-0 to Norton & Stockton Ancients. Although starting brightly, Spraire didn't cope with the windy conditions as well as Ancients. Due to good defending by Thomas Hudspith and Aiden Mcdonough, it was late on in the first half before Ancients broke the deadlock. Spraire tried to even the score in the second half but found Ancients hard to break down. Some good attempts by man of the match, Jonathan Dye were thwarted by the Ancients 'keeper. In looking to even the game Spraire pushed men forward but were penalised by three further goals from Ancients.
Spraire Lads Under-10s edged a 1-0 win against Brinkburn in a very even game. With defences on top, Brinkburn created the first chance with a long ball out of defence putting a Brinkburn striker clean through only for Spraire keeper Jack Binks to race out and clear. The next chance fell to Spraire with Wilson Kneeshaw breaking on the right and putting an inch-perfect cross for James Bennett, whose shot hit the post. The second-half was just as tight with defenders Ryan Allinson and Matty Bowers playing well. Spraire broke the deadlock mid-way through the half when Kerry Hedley poked the ball home from close range. In the friendly afterwards, Spraire won 2-0 with goals from Bennett and Danny Stead. Ben Tervitt was excellent in goal.
Spraire Lads Under-11s played their best football of the season to beat Stockton Town 5-1. Man of the match Jamie Byrne controlled the centre of the park with Brian Todd and Robert Gilmour dominant in defence. Jackson Kneeshaw scored early and then hit the bar, then the bar again until he played a pass in the box for Ben Sanderson who somehow got a toe on the ball to pass the Stockton keeper to make it 2-0 at half time. Stockton started the second half stronger but a powerful Sam Pow forced a third, then straight out of the Premiership a quick break on the right wing, two passes and a cross met by a superb header from James Hobson, 4-0. Stockton pulled one back with a fine effort on the break from Dan Donaldson beating the marvellous Chris Charlton in the Spraire goal. Final word came from Kneeshaw with a 'Schollesesque' strike. Special mention to Alex Oliver playing his first full game for the Spraire.
Spraire Lads Under-13s went down 3-1 to Thornaby on Tees. Against the wind, With debutant Craig Hart working well, Spraire dominated the first 20 minutes and were well worth their 1-0 lead, scored by Jonny Ward. However, Spraire gradually lost their momentum and allowed Thornaby to equalise before the break. Spraire worked hard in the second half but didn't take advantage of the wind and allowed Thornaby to sore another two goals, despite some good defending from Josh Myers and Robert Davies.
Spraire Lads Under-14s conquered the conditions to beat Linthorpe Falcons 4-0. The first half was very evenly matched with both defences on top. However, some good passing from Spraire allowed man of the match Danny Rimmer to craft an opening for Sam Wootton to break the deadlock. After the break, some great battling and creativity by Rimmer set-up Wootton to score a further three goals.
Spraire Lads Under-15 B had to contend with attrocious weather at Barnard Castle but came through to win 5-2. Spraire squandered numerous chances in the first ten minutes but found themselves a goal behind scored by Scarr. Spraire kept plugging away and eventually equalised with a close range effort from man of the match, Lee Borrowdale. Thomas Chandler then scored with two great strikes to make it 3-1 at half-time. Borrowdale scored a great individual goal midway through the second half before Barney pulled a goal back. Borrowdale then converted a Chandler cross to complete his hat-trick to give Spraire some much-needed breathing space.
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