Junior round-up

Early Darlington pressure created several clear cut chances without reward, although it was Billingham who nearly took the lead when awarded a penalty kick, but Young Boys keeper Martin Penny saved from the spot brilliantly.

Just before half time Synners ended the deadlock, when a long through ball was slotted home by the lively Robbie Pitman.

The second half saw more Darlington pressure, which paid off when John Mckie finished a fine four man move. Billingham re-took the lead straight from the kick off through Pitman again, before Matty Leadbeatter levelled from the penalty spot. With ten minutes remaining John Mckie rounded the keeper to score Darlington's well deserved winner for a 3-2 victory. Man of the match was Martin Penny.

Darlington Spraire Lads and Lasses

A great win by the Spraire Under-8s against Darlington 21st Allstars with Jake Wood of Spraire keeping a clean sheet by making two important saves in each half. Rikki Gann started the scoring after a great through ball from Carl Brack. Rikki's second came after a sole run by Jim Wilson who unselfishly laid the ball square for Rikki to score. Rikki finished his hat-trick after he latched onto a kick out from the All Stars keeper. Man of the match went to Rikki Gann and Jim Wilson.

The Under-9s travelled to Greatham in the quarter final of the Cup. Greatham went 2-0 up in the first ten minutes before Spraire battled back and a Matty Bowers 20 yarder brought Spraire back into the game. Spraire pushed forward and in the last minute James Bennett equalised to send the game into extra time. With the scores still level in the second half of extra time and only two minutes left Greatham knocked the ball into Spraires area and a deflection sent the Spraire goalie the wrong way to make the score 3-2 to Greatham. Credit goes to all the team who were unlucky to come away with nothing. Man of the match was Kerry Hedley and a special mention goes to Ryan Allinson who was outstanding.

At Under-14 Spraire beat first division opponents Tennis World in the cup 7-0, goals coming from Craig Lavelle (3) Sheperson, Martin , Howard and man of the match Micheal Lavelle.

At Under-15 Spraire enjoyed another cup victory, winning 7-2 against Whitby goals came from Healey (3), Wilson (2), Storey and Hiley.

At Under-12 Spraire won 4-3 against Hardwick Youth goals coming from Ward (3) and Verity an excellent team performance in difficult conditions man of the match went to Davies.

At Under-16 Spraire lost in the quarter final of the cup 3-0 to Cleveland Juniors.

The Under-13s lost 5-2 away to Thornaby Juniors in the TJFA Challenge Cup. Thornaby had the better of the first half but Spraire Lads came back strongly in the second and both teams could have had more goals but for some wayward finishing and excellent goal keeping by Sam Hunt. Spraire Lads' goals were scored by Joe Clamp, with a fine shot on the run, and by Adam Hutchinson who converted with a chip over the keeper from the edge of the box.

At Under-14 the Spraire Lasses lost to Lumely but the Under-12s won 12-1 against Seaton Carew. In poor weather on an excellent surface Spraire Lasses took control from the opening minutes.

Rachel McKnight scored the opener for Spraire Lasses in the first minute. Laura Gowling made it 2-0 after seven minutes with McKnight scoring her second to give Spraire Lasses a 3-0 lead after the first quarter.

Jordan Atkinson scored two goals after 23 and 28 minutes with McKnight completing her hat trick after 31 minutes. Jessica Coutes playing in goal made several excellent saves deserving the girl of the match accolade for Seaton Girls.

Gowling added to the score after 33 minutes with Atkinson completing her hat trick after 43 minutes.

In the final quarter, Gowling scored after 46 minutes making her tally four goals. Defender Laura Spence scored her first goal of the season after 53 minutes with McKnight scoring her 44th goal after 58 minutes.

Kirsty Muir scored a well-deserved goal for Seaton Girls to make the final score 12-1 to Spraire Lasses. The Seaton goal was scored by Kirsty Moore with Seaton's girl of the match going to Jessica Coates.

Katie McTague won the girl of the match for the second occasion this season for Spraire Lasses. Joanna Dinsdale excelled in her second game for the Lasses, Keely Edwards and Nicole Seal contributed to the midfield effort, with youngster Tonya Shires again starring at full back.

Youngsters from both squads enjoyed a friendly game played in a good spirit which ended 1-1.

Spraire Lasses: Leah Curry, Nicole Henry, Katie Blair, Anna Brassell, Amy Barton, Briony Tonge, Grace Pattison.

l Spraire Lasses are looking for young players between seven and 14 years old. If you are interested, turn up at South Park, Darlington, on Saturday mornings at 10am-11.30am or ring Linda and Dave Scott on (01325) 253581 or John Boyd on (01325) 284183 or Ritchie Curry (01388) 458959.

Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers

THE Under-12s, sponsored by Weathertight Windows, A team played at home against Hartburn Juniors in the Challenge Cup, second round. After a slow start in which Rangers conceded an early goal, Rangers came back into it. Ryan Ashton ran down the right before putting in a superb ball to Gary Martin who lobbed the keeper. Hartburn came back to score again but Rangers dominated in the second half and won convincingly 5-2.Rangers scorers were man of the match Gary Martin (3), Mikey Smith and Scott Hastie.

The B team's game was called off due to the bad weather.

The Under-11s, sponsored by MKM, A team played in the TJFA League Cup at home to a Division one opponent, California Boys. It was touch and go whether the pitch would be playable but in the end all came good and on a very heavy pitch Rangers took the game to Cally Boys. After some brilliant football and some excellent entertainment Rangers booked their place in the next round with a 5-4 win. Rangers scorers were Craig Swainston, Mikey Gillender, David Johnston, Johnny 'Bravo' Blewitt and man of the match, Nathan Wilson.

The B team's game was called off due to the bad weather.

The Under-10s played their second game together at home to 21st All Stars. The game was superb with some excellent passing football on both sides. The score ended 4-1 to Rangers with David Woodward netting all four goals. Rangers man of the match was Johnny Hart.

A friendly that followed saw All Stars coming back, gaining a 1-0 win. Rangers man of the match was Bradley Wray who was outstanding in his debut as goalkeeper.

The Under-9s, sponsored by SG Petch, played in the league at home to Cleveland Juniors and after some outstanding football from both teams the home side lost 2-1. Rangers scorer was Thomas Brown, who scored a superb goal from a corner kick. Rangers man of the match was Shane Hall. In the friendly, which was again a good game of football, Rangers were beaten 1-0. Rangers man of the match was Russell Weaver, who gave a good performance.

The Under-8s played at home in the league against Trimdon. Rangers dominated from the start and won 2-0. Rangers scorer was Lee Hastie with two goals and man of the match went to Karl Hastie.

A friendly that followed saw Rangers pipped, going down to only one goal. Rangers man of the match, Lee Hastie.

Darlington 21st Allstars

The Under-12s were away to South Park Rangers in the League Cup and pulled off an excellent all-round team performance which resulted in a 5-1 victory. The Allstars dominated the game and played some fantastic attacking football with Luke Scarr scoring his first goal for the club. The defence and midfield also played their part supplying some inch-perfect passes resulting in a well-deserved 5-1 victory. Scorers were man of the match Ian Smurthwaite (2), Ross Kelly, Ross Burton, Luke Scarr.

The Under-11s were away to Hartlepool Crest in the TJFA Challenge Cup. The Allstars did not field a full-strength team and were drawing 1-1 at full time. In extra time, the Allstars stepped up a gear and a tactical position change led to an inspirational performance by Jamie Bullock and the Allstars earned their 4-2 victory. Once again a good all round team effect with all substitutes getting a game. Scorers were Lee Gibbon, Matthew Carnelley, Jamie Kildaire (2) and Jamie Bullock was awarded man of the match.

The Under-11 Colts were away to Bellasis Jnrs in the TJFA Challenge Cup and came back with a tremendous 3-2 victory. The Allstars were losing 2-0, but their amazing team spirit helped them to achieve this fantastic win. Another good all-round team performance. Scorers were Ryan Ford (2), Sean Simpson and man of the match went to Connor Richings.

The Under-13s travelled to Nunthorpe for the weekend's League Cup-tie. Robbie Gardner was back on form and Jamie Stokes scored a tremendous individual goal, with a 30 yard run taking on four opponents and the goalkeeper. Lewis Harrison scored the second, resulting in a 2-1 victory. Man of the match went to Robbie Gardner.

The Under-16s were away to Norton in the TJFA Challenge Cup. The Allstars went 1-0 up when Stephen Howden coolly picked his spot from ten yards out and the score was doubled when Carl Garthwaite cleverly went around the keeper. Norton pulled one back in the second period but it was man of the match Darren Thompson who put the Allstars into the next round when he volleyed home the third for a fantastic 3-1 victory.

The Under-12 Colts were away to first division Southbank Jnrs in the TJFA Challenge Cup. Early in the game, Southbank were awarded a dubious penalty, and the keeper was unlucky not to save it. The conditions and decisions did not go the Allstars way, but they never gave up and showed 100 per cent commitment. The final scoreline of 4-1 to Southbank did not reflect this tight-fought game. The scorer was Liam Clarke keeper, Sam Jones, was named man of the match.

The Under-15 Colts travelled to Billingham Town in the TJFA Challenge Cup. Although the Allstars lost the match 2-1, this was a first class performance against a team a division higher. The Allstars were leading 1-0 at half time through Adam Yeadon, but the energy-sapping conditions saw Billingham score twice in the second half. Once again, an excellent team performance by the Allstars. Man of the match went to Mark Tills.

The Under-10 Colts took on Premier in the TJFA Challenge Cup. The Allstars were unlucky to lose the game 2-1 but every Allstars player gave 110 per cent resulting in a good spirited team performance. Scorer was Ryan Able and Phillip Park was named man of the match.

The Under-8s, this season's newly formed team, are beginning to settle in the league and although they lost the game against Spraire Lads 3-0, it was a promising performance as the Allstars played with determined effort and a good spirit. Man of the match went to Ellis Husband.

In the friendly, the Allstars got their game together and held Spraire Lads to a 2-2 draw. With goals from Niall Hanratty and Ellis Husband and stand-in goalkepper Carl Campbell being awarded man of the match.

* The Under-13s are looking to sign some new players, so if you want to be part of a winning, competitive team, ring Mark Bailes on (01325) 481438.