Darlington Allstars

The Allstars worked hard during this strong physical game and gave a good tactical performance. Stevie Richards (man of the match) worked hard to control the midfield, and this hard work paid off giving the Allstars a 4-3 victory. Scorers were Stevie Richards, Thomas Reeves (2) and Adam Sams.

The Under-16s also played their first league game midweek against Newton Aycliffe Youth, away. Both teams were evenly matched with neither side giving the opportunity to score. The match ended in 0-0 draw, but this was an excellent all-round team performance and a fantastic start to the season.

Man of the match was John Paul Swift for a fine defensive display.

The Under-10s took on Spraire Lads at home in the league. This was a very tight game, with both teams working hard to keep possesion, but the Allstars proved too strong for Spraire, and scored the only goal of the game, resulting in a 1-0 victory. The scorer was Andrew Wilson who was also man of the match.

In the friendly, the Allstars drew 2-2 with goals from William Whittaker and Danny Wheldon. Man of the match was Michael Sweet.

The Under-9s travelled to Greatham Boys for this week's league match. The teams were evenly matched with Lewis Durham playing some excellent football in the midfield. The Allstars scored the only goal and came away with a 1-0 victory. This was a well deserved win and was a good advertisement for junior football.

Scorer was defender Jonathon Burn and man of the match was Lewis Durham.

The Under-15s travelled to Norton & Stockton Ancients for this week's League Cup tie. The Allstars started slowly and Norton took this opportunity to go 1-0 up. The Allstars were stronger in the second half and put up a good fight. Sam Pybus, the Allstars keeper, pulled off a fantastic save when Norton were awarded a penalty, but the Allstars lost 3-1 despite the hard work they put in during the second half.

The scorer Mike Barnett and man of the match was James Howard for a fantastic defensive display.

The Under-12 Colts took on Washington Lambton Lions at home in the County Cup. The Allstars found it hard to settle against this strong side, conceding two goals, making the final score a 2-0 defeat. Man of the match was Danny Spence.

The Under-16 Colts took on Whitby Town at home in the League Cup. The Allstars took the lead in the first half through a Steven Cheeseman goal, his first for the club. In the second half The Allstars lost their shape allowing Whitby to take control and win the game 3-2, but The Allstars were very unlucky not to force Whitby to extra time. Scorers were Adam Lancaster and Steven Cheeseman with man of the match Danny Pugh.

The Under-13 Colts were at home to South Park Rangers in the League Cup. The Allstars started slowly and found it very hard to settle against this attacking Rangers side. The Allstars were still without their regular keeper who is out through illness and found it hard to defend. The first half saw The Allstars losing 6-0 and the final score of 9-0 was no reflection on stand-in keepers, Oliver Webster and Liam Clarke.

Man of the match was Isam Mohammed for a fine defensive display.

Allstars Under-11s A, sponsored by the Parkinsons Disease Society, were against Spraire Lads and after a couple of shaky moments, Allstars settled down to play some quality football, only lacking the final . The first goal came in the first half when Daniel Thomson did well to control a good through-ball from Luke Thompson before rounding the keeper and hitting the ball towards goal for James Nevens to prod home from a short distance.

The lead was doubled and trebled by Luke Thompson with two well taken goals. Luke later failed to complete his hat-trick when he missed a penalty. Ten minutes from time Spraire scored a consolation goal, only for Daniel Thomson to cap a fine solo run by prodding the ball past the advancing keeper, after running from almost the half-way line and beating four or five players on the way to make the final score 4-1.

Considering Allstars had only the bare 11 fit and available players, it was a good achievement beating their local rivals. The score could have been higher, having chances cleared off the line and hitting the woodwork twice. Competition for man of the match was strong, with Josh Phillips just shading it, ahead of Liam Browne, for a tenacious workman-like performance in midfield.

After failing to convert some early chances against Teesside Athletic, Allstars Under-11s, sponsored Parkinsons Disease Society, finally made the pressure tell when Josh Phillips hit a sweet left foot shot into the corner of the goal from the edge of the penalty area. Daniel Thomson scored a well taken goal, after some football wizardry near the corner flag by Josh Phillips. Allstars kept the pressure on for the majority of the game against physically bigger boys.

Luke Thompson went on to score his now customary brace, one a neat snapshot from a good ball pulled back from the byline by Jack Whittaker.

The defence, and in particular Lee Greaves in goal, dealt with almost everything thrown at them. Teesside Athletic scored two goals in reply, to make the final score 4-2, one in the last few minutes, both from corners not adequately dealt with. Again the score could have been greater with more passing and more clinical finishing. Callum Woodcock missed out for the second game running by hitting the post from distance.

The man of the match award was contested between Josh Phillips and Liam Browne. This time Liam receiving the award, for winning everything in defence. Even the one time he did get beaten in a challenge, he still managed to make up ground and rob the opposing attacker of the ball, before clearing the ball the length of the pitch!

Another good all-round performance in this cup game, bringing the tally to a perfect three wins out of three games.