Darlington Albion

Mention must be given to the workmanlike performance of both Michael Martin and Andrew Wood in midfield and a good overall team effort.

The Under-14s, sponsored by Stone Technical Services, played away against Brompton winning 3-1. Albion went 1-0 down with a sloppy goal but soon levelled with a goal from Anth Mackin on his debut for the Albion, other goals from Shaun Marshall and Kev Sung saw Albion deservedly win 3-1. A good team performance from the Albion, man of the match was Luke Stone for solid work in defence.

The Under-13s, sponsored by Digital Communication Systems, were at home against Thirsk. Albion, with ten men, turned out to give a spirited display with the odds stacked against them. Theo Farquharson scored twice, man of the match Phillip Caley four, to make Albion's score six whilst Thirsk, with the stronger side scored 11. The game was end to end and praise has to be given to the whole Albion side for the commitment they showed.

The Under-12s put in a disappointing performance compared to last week, Albion played Catterick in cup action losing 5-0, man of the match was Dale McPherson.

Ferryhill Town Youth

Ferryhill Town Youth Under-10s played away to Bishop Auckland St Marys B winning 7-0. Matthew Harker scored the first goal with the last kick of the first half. Nathan Ball scored in the first minute of the second half followed by two goals from Tom Olley. Matthew Harker scored his second goal of the game. David Gibson and Reece Wooley also added there names to the goal list. David Gibson was awarded man of the match.

The Under-11s played away to Billingham Wanders at the weekend and travelled with ten men due to a bout of flu, but they gave a great team performance which resulted in a 7-1 win. There were goals for Ben Hunter, Craig McCormack, a hat-trick for Michael Briggs and Sean Walker-albeit one of them was in the wrong goal!

The Under-12s were at home to Nunthorpe Athletic B in the league. Ferryhill scored three goals in the first half, two from Craig Stanworth and one from Joe Ramage but in the second half Nunthorpe had Ferryhill under pressure and were rewarded with two goals. Nunthorpe were denied a third by a brilliant save from Ferryhill's goalkeeper Daniel Woodward. Craig Stanworth scored Ferryhill's fourth to complete his hat trick. Ferryhill's man of the match went to Jack Harrison. Credit to both teams for an enjoyable game.

Ferryhill's Under-13s traveled to Coulby Newham at the weekend were unlucky to be beaten 6-2. Ferryhill's goals coming from Jonathan Smith. Another good sporting game.

The Under-14s were at home to Linthorpe Falcons. Ferryhill played some good football and went into the lead through a goal from Andrew Gibbons, which took them to half time. In the second half Ferryhill put the pressure on with goals coming from Ryan Wilkinson, Lee Wilkinson, Wayne Bolton (4) and another goal coming from Andrew Gibbons. Ferryhill's defence played really well to keep Linthorpe out. A good performance by all players.

Byers Green

Byers Green had a good win against SAFC 24/7. Byers took the lead with a good build up involving Ellis who picked up the ball on the right and running to the other side of the field beating several players on the way, then Ellis played the ball into Hallimond's feet who took it on the turn and fired the ball across the keeper, who palmed it out but Peart was there to nod it home.

Byers held very strong and created some great chances but could not convert them. In the last five minutes of the half SAFC scored two quick goals that shocked the Byers team.

In the second half Byers showed spirit and got their rewards with a free kick struck brilliantly by Ellis to make it all square, the winner came from Hallimond after a free kick from Bowtell over the top and Condron's shot falling for Hallimond to score the winner, SAFC mounted late pressure but Rivers and Thompson held the back line together.

Bishop Auckland College

Last weekend the College had a bye in the County Cup so most of the lads had a free weekend, but the team will be back to business this weekend with a home game against Hylton Castle. Bishop's last game with them ended in a 3-3 draw so Bishop are hoping to go one goal better on Sunday.

Kick-off is 1pm so the lads will meet at noon, at the college.

Bishop Auckland Barrington Wanderers

Barrington Wanderers played in the second round of the League Cup against Nissan. This was a good open game of football with very little to split the team hence the score was still level at 1-1 at the end of extra time.

It was constant end to end play with both attacking and defensive players showing their best. Barrington Wanderers qualifying for the next round on penalties. An excellent personal performance from goal scorer and man of the match David Spence, who caused the opposition no end of problems and was a constant treat to the opposition. His confidence showed when he stepped up to convert the first penalty.

Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers

The Under-13s, sponsored by King, Hope & Co, played away in a friendly against Stockton West End. Rangers worked hard against this second division team, with Mikey Smith hitting the bar, but they could not break them down. The score ended 6-0 to Stockton. Rangers man of the match was Luke Smalley.

The Under-11s, sponsored by Direct Glass & Door Panels (Darlington), played away in the league against Cargo Fleet Juniors. Rangers wanted a win and started strongly. The hard work paid off as Rangers won magnificently 3-0. This ensures they stay top of the table. Rangers scorers were Ben Hastie (2) and Thomas Greaves. Rangers man of the match was Ashleigh Leighton.

The Under-10s, sponsored by MKM (Darlington), played away in the league against fellow top of the table team, Stockton Town, St Bedes. This was a good game from the off with both teams having a lot to play for. Rangers gained the points with a 2-1 win. This now gives them a greater margin at the top of the league table. Rangers scorer and man of the match went to Matthew Harrison.

The Under-9s, sponsored by Dutton Forshaw (Stockton), played at home against Cumby Rovers in the league. Rangers were the strongest team from the start creating chances. Their efforts paid off with a superb 5-1 win. Rangers scorers were man of the match Carl Brack (3), Karl Hastie and Lee Swainston.

The friendly that followed saw a 2-2 draw, Rangers scorers were Lee Swainston and Karl Hastie with Rangers man of the match being Aiden Smith.

Barnard Castle

Barnard Castle were up against high-flying Kader FC. After early exchanges, Kader won a corner and from the resulting cross, the ball was palmed into the net by the unfortunate PJ Barnes.

Barney took the game to Kader but were unable to find the net from several promising attacks. The game flowed back and forth until Kader scored three quick goals in the final eight minutes of the half to lead 4-0 at the break.

Barney started the second half attacking Kader and in the first minute won a free kick outside the area which resulted in Cliff Kirkbride curling the kick into the top corner of the net to reduce the deficit.

Attacking play was swapped by both teams until the 15th minute of the half when Kader scored again. Barnard Castle went close to scoring before Kader grabbed three goals in six minutes including a fantastic chip over the Barney keeper.

The goal of the game was scored by Barney's man of the match, Martyn Pettit, a sublime volley from a corner two minutes from time, making the score 8-2 in Kader's favour.

Kader's scorers were Michael Bates (3), Daniel Eaton (2), Tony Liddle and Kader man of the match was Ashley Richardson. The scoreline did not reflect the game at all, with Kader's manager stating this had been one of their toughest games so far.

This week Barnard Castle entertain Grangefield JFC at Green Lane.

* The game's match ball was sponsored by the staff of Hodgson's coaches.

Darlington 21st Allstars

The Under-11 Colts were hosts to Thirsk Falcons and turned on the magic to pull off a tremendous start to this week's league game. The Allstars passed the ball well and took their chances to end the first half with a very comfortable lead. In the second half, the Allstars eased the pressure and Thirsk came back with two quick goals. This was an excellent team performance and a well deserved 4-2 Allstars victory. Allstars scorers were Tom Gillan (2), Mark Tweedey and Tom Robson with Paul Johnson man of the match.

The Under-9s played Hartlepool St Fancis in the league and worked hard to defeat this strong Hartlepool team. The Allstars played some good football and battled well to win 1-0, James Szoboszlai scoring. Man of the match was Jonathon Burn.

The Under-10s travelled to Stockton Town and continued their winning performances. The Allstars started well and contained Stockton to ensure they came away with the points and a 4-0 well deserved victory. Scorers were Adam Jackson (2), Liam Jarvie and Andrew Wilson with Adam Jackson man of the match.

In the friendly, the Allstars won 3-0 with goals from Simpson (2) and Wheldon with Simpson man of the match.

The Under-12s took on Cleveland Juniors in the league and although they started slowly, took their opportunities and hit the net three times. All credit goes to Cleveland who never gave up and continued to put the Allstars under pressure. Allstars scorers were man of the match Lee Gibbon, Nick Stockport and Sean Simpson.

The Under-12 Colts took on South Park Rangers and worked hard to get into the game, but South Park proved a stronger more physical side and deserved their win 7-2 win. Allstars scorers were Ryan Ford and Dion Sung with Richard Miller man of the match.

The Under-13s were at home to Hartlepool St Francis and found themselves 3-0 down and a fight on their hands. The Allstars never gave up and fought to score two goals, but could not find the equaliser. The Allstars scorer was Stuart Bunting (2) and man of the match was Luke Scarr.

The Under-13 Colts were hosts to Sunderland SAFC and although Sunderland were a strong side, the Allstars contained the pressure and camped in their half for the first 45 minutes. Sunderland took their opportunities and scored twice, but a 2-0 defeat is not reflective of this evenly contested game. Man of the match was Matthew Shaw.

The Under-15s took on Bishop Auckland and gave an excellent first half performance going in 1-0 up at half time through a well deserved Scott Wilson goal. Bishop Auckland equalised early in the second half and the Allstars went 2-1 up by an individual Miek Barnett goal. Bishop equalised again and the final score was a 2-2 draw. Sam Pybus, who was playing out of position, gave a fantastic performance to be awarded man of the match. The club and squad would like to wish Mark McConell their best wishes as a recurring knee injury has put him out of action for the rest of the season.

The Under-16s took on Stockton Youth at home and pulled off a gritty, well organised team performance. This was an evenly contested game with every ball fought for and good end to end football. A 0-0 draw was a fair result. Man of the match went to Marc Briggs.

In an evenly contested game, Allstars Under-16 Colts took the lead against Spartans after a thunderous shot from Mark Barrass was parried by the goal keeper and Steve Cheeseman was there to score the goal. Spartans equalised after the Allstars keeper was unsighted but this was a fair result from a good hard physical game. Man of the match was Mark Smurthwaite.

* The Darlington 21st Allstars Under-10s are looking for new players to play in their 11-a-side team next season. They had a very successful 2002/2003 season and have started this season well. If you would like to play for the squad, contact: manager Kev Roddy on (01325) 469082 or coach Dave Simpson (01325) 480001.