Norton and Stockton Ancients: Norton Under-15 A dominated their game against South Bank from the whistle, and in the first few seconds David Burns opened the scoring with a well taken goal.
He followed not long after with another great goal. Southbank just couldn't get into the game and with a super goal from Lewis Oliver hitting the crossbar and falling behind the keeper made the score 3-0 at half time. The second half saw Norton still in control. Joe Burns sealed the win to make the final score 4-0 to Norton.
Marton started the game strongly against Norton Under-16s and took an early lead. Norton then settled down and started to gain control of the game, but despite having a fierce free kick from Leo Preston cleared off the line Norton could not find an equaliser. In the second half Jamie Heslop finally converted Norton's possession with a fine equalising goal. At this point the game could have swung either way but it was Marton who took their chance with a fine header at the far post to record a narrow 2-1 victory. This was a very hard physical battle between two very good sides.
Despite the cold, Norton's pitch was perfect for football, and Jamma turned it on immediately for Norton Under-13 B, curling in a shot from the edge of the box to give the home side the lead against Nunthorpe Youth Club after two minutes. Chance after chance followed, Cooky's header cleared off the line, Ivo's header brilliantly saved by the superb Nunthorpe keeper, then, predictably, Nunthorpe equalised from a corner with their first shot on goal. A good ball out of defence by Steve Atkinson was well taken by Cooky, who turned and rattled a left foot strike into the top corner to restore Ancients' lead. Azza made several great runs supporting Michael Bell, both providing crosses for Norton's strikers, whilst on the right Jon Stephenson & Simmo were again solid. Danny McAvoy played a great defensive game, often winning possession for Ancients. In the second half a great right-wing run by Macca ended with Jamma belting home from 12 yards. Jamma then turned provider with a jinking run, playing in Cooky who still had a lot to do, finishing well from a tight angle. Macca then outstripped Nunthorpe's left back to be bundled over for a penalty - up stepped Tony Peel to score the fifth. Nunthorpe managed to pull one back with a great free kick into the top corner, but the game finished 5-2 to Norton.
Norton Under-15 B started their game against Yarm Town Boys with a point to prove after loosing the home fixture earlier in the season. Excellent work from Lee Tait got him the goal of the game, a left foot curler giving the Yarm keeper no chance. Yarm equalised right on half time. Norton dominated the second half and went close on a number of occasions but the winner came ten minutes from time an excellent strike from David Tweddle. This was a very good battling performance by all the lads at Norton. Yarm 1, Norton 2.
Norton Under-10 B continued their good run of form with a 2-1 away victory at Newton Aycliffe S/C. Josh Peadon put Lewis Wing through to open the scoring with an excellent volley. Norton dominated the first half with David Roth causing lots of problems for the Aycliffe defence. Wing set up Roth for a good chance but the Aycliffe keeper pulled off a good save but Daniel Chesser pounced to put Norton 2-0 up at half-time. Aycliffe managed to pull one back with a deflected own goal. It was first versus second in the league when Norton Under-8 went to Redcar and the game didn't disappoint even though it ended 0-0. Harry Sharpe produced some good saves and Matthew Henry marshalled his well organised defence. Joe Taylor produced yet another superb display in midfield to earn his third man of the match in three games. Henry Bulmer produced some great tackles and passing.
Darlington Albion
The Under-13s played Richmond at home in a top of the league battle. Albion pressurised from kick-off, gaining a two-goal advantage in the first ten minutes. After Richmond pulled one back Albion pressed forward finishing the half to go 5-1 up.
The second half saw Albion score two more and a penalty to Richmond left final score 7-2 to worthy victors Albion. Man of the match was Michael Johnson. Scorers were hat-trick hero Simon Sung, Theo Farquharson (2), Danny Potts and Phillip Caley.
The week previous saw Albion, again with a depleted nine-man side, play away to Ormsby. Against the odds Albion managed to produce a 9-2 victory. Albion's man of the match Danny Potts scored twice while Theo Farquharson managed a double hat-trick and Martin Wilson got one.
The Under-13s still require a keeper and more outfield players to strengthen the squad for the rest of the season. If you feel you have a son willing to commit himself to a performing side, please contact Kev Suttie on 07973 925076.
The Under-15s were at home on Sunday to Carlin How. Albion contained the league title favourites to just a single goal at half time with some determined defending, but missing open chances at the other end. As play recommenced Albion buckled under pressure allowing Carlin How to win 5-1, Albion scorer was Andrew Wood.
The previous Sunday Albion played away against Spraire in a very close match winning 2-1. Scorers were Sam Richardson and Tom Howard.
The Under-12s Albion played Bedale. Although Albion lost this could easily be their best game of the season against the league leaders.
Fielding a very strong team Albion almost took the lead after five minutes but Lee Barnes saw his effort go agonisingly wide. Albion's defence played really well for the whole game and at half time it was 0-0. Second half saw Albion fall a goal behind however. Albion equalised five minutes later with a great goal from top scorer Lee Barnes. Bedale managed to steal a second five minutes from time and held on for a 2-1 victory despite Albion's heavy pressure on them. In goal James Griffith was man of the match after playing a blinder with Bedale finding it very difficult to get past him.
Bishop Auckland Barrington Wanderers
Wanderers booked themselves a place in the quarter finals of the league cup with a 2-0 away win against Peterlee Youth. A comfortable result against a club from a higher division. The first goal coming in the first half from David Spence while man of the match Peter Sewell opened his scoring for the season in the second.
As team captain he lead from the midfield and put some excellent link balls through for the number of attacking players in the team, before changing positions with Ian Gosney to play as a holding striker to defensively secure the win.
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