Junior round-up

Sponsored by MKM, the Under-11s A team played a league game at home to Newton Aycliffe Youth. The game was superb with excellent football being played by both teams, but after all the hard work Rangers could only get a point as it ended 2-2. Rangers scorers were Ryan 'Turbo' Turbutt and Johnny 'Bravo' with Blewitt named man of the match and captain was Tom Smalley.

The Under-9s, sponsored by SG Petch, played league games on both days this weekend at home. The first league game on Saturday was against Leven FC and Rangers were outstanding but could not find the finishing touch. The score was 3-0 to Leven. Rangers man of the match was Beej Turnbull. The friendly played afterwards showed Rangers with good resolve and a fantastic goal coming from Rangers man of the match Stephen Richardson. Final score ended in 5-1 to Leven.

The second league game on Sunday was against Aycliffe Sports Club Panthers and again Rangers were outstanding but unable to find the finish required. The game was tight with Aycliffe scoring the one goal in the game from their only attacking move. The score ended 1-0 to Aycliffe. Rangers man of the match was Reece Hooper. The friendly that followed saw Rangers come out battling to clinch their first victory with a scoreline of 3-1. Rangers scorers were Russell Weaver (2), Stephen Richardson. Guy Winter was man of the match.

This game was Natalie Rimmer's last game before going into hospital. The manager, coaches and players all wish Natalie a speedy recovery.

The Under-8s A team played at Norton & Stockton who in the early stages played N&S off the park. But the experience of N&S showed through with them winning 3-0. Rangers Man of the match was Karl Hastie.

The B team played against the same team and were beaten 4-1. Rangers scorer, with his first for the club, was Lee Hastie.

l Rangers are looking for new players, boys and girls, in the Under-9 age group, so if you are interested in playing for an up and coming successful junior football club and are the right age, contact Kev on 283072 or Steve on 332025 for more details. Alternatively you could turn up at training on a Saturday morning 9.30am-11.30am at Mount Pleasant School, Newton Lane, Darlington.

Darlington Albion

Away to Bedale, Albion Under-13s started the game well but fell behind after some poor defending and missed chances from the forwards. Score at half time was 4-1 to Bedale following a goal from Elvin Webley for the Albion. After the break some fine goalkeeping by man of the match Michael Haddick kept Bedale from adding to their score and Albion pulled one back with a goal from Chris Binks. The final score was Bedale 4, Albion 2.

Darlington GSYB

Darlington GSYB Under-16s were given a rough ride at home to Hardwick Youth, but always dominated when it came to possesion, limiting Hardwick to one chance in the first half. Grammars defence and midfield worked extremely hard, to deny Hardwick any room to play on a sticky pitch. Andrew Caldwell scored a fine hat-trick and John Mckie hit a left foot thunderbolt to give Grammar Young Boys the points in a 4-0 win. Although the whole team played their part man of the match went to hat-trick hero Andrew Caldwell.

Darlington Spraire Lads

This week saw Spraire in action with the Under-10s entertaining Hartburn Juniors, and despite playing good football lost 4-2 to a good side. Spraire goals came from Dake Jchnston and man of the match Jackson Kneeeshaw.

The Under-14Bs played Stokesly and in a tight game pulled of a 3-2 win. The first goal came after just six seconds from a well worked set piece from Tom Chandler and the second followed an excellent move involving MC Bride Chandler getting the third to give Spraire a well-deserved victory. Man of the match was Krishnan.

The Under-16s were at home to Cleveland Juniors, the current league leaders. Spraire played some excellent passing football and at half time the score was 0-0. in the second half Cleveland piled on the pressure and James, in goal for Spraire, pulled off some good saves.

Eventually Spraire broke the deadlock with Ben Amos heading home from a corner to give Spraire a 1-0 lead. Cleveland came back and put Spraire under pressure eventually equalising from a free kick. The last 15 minutes saw both teams battling hard to get the winner but the game finished 1-1 and a great team performance with all Spraire players battling hard for the full game.

Darlington 21st Allstars

The Under-11s were away to Teesside Athletic in this reversed fixture due to an unfit home pitch. Defender, Sam Newton, opened the scoring with a tremendous 20 yard drive, his first goal for the club ending the first half 1-0 up.

Teesside came back in the second half applying intense pressure to the Allstars. Lee Gibbon responded with another fantastic header from a corner set piece, resulting in a 2-0 victory. This good all-round team performance keeps the Under-11s unbeaten in the league. Man of the match was Ben Riley.

The Under-9s played away in the league against Newton Aycliffe Jaguars and came away with a fine 2-0 victory. The Allstars settled early and pulled off some fantastic football. Scorers were Bradley Simpson (2) and William Whittaker was man of the match.

The Allstars were also winners in the friendly with the final score 1-0. Bradley Simpson scored the goal and Steven Husband man of the match.

The Under-12 Colts travelled to Billingham's Belassis Juniors for this weekend's league match. The Allstars played some tremendous football in difficult conditions, but failed to convert their chances. The central midfield dominated the game and a good effort by the Allstar's goalkeeper, kept them in the game resulting in a 1-1 draw. Once again a good all round team performance. Scorer was Benn Murphy and Isam Mohamad was man of the match.

The Under-10 Colts were hosts to Premier in the league and suffered a 5-0 defeat. Although the Allstars showed great determination they were outplayed by this stronger, unbeaten league team. Man of the match was Peter Hyndman.

The Allstars also lost the friendly game 5-1 with Jack Woodcock scoring the only goal and was also awarded man of the match.

The Under-13s travelled to Kader FC and played a league match in extremely difficult conditions. Kader were more suited to the heavy conditions and opened the score sheet with the first half ending 1-0 to Kader. The Allstars fought hard and played with determination, but Kader proved to be the stronger team and scored again in the second half. An outstanding performance from the Allstars' goalkeeper prevented any more away goals and the match ended in a 2-0 defeat. Man of the match was goalkeeper, Chris Cook.

The Under-16s took on North Ormesby in a away league match. The Allstars started well, despite the heavy, muddy conditions. North Ormesby scored early and a couple of dubious decisions took them romping into the lead. The match ended in an 8-0 defeat, but special thanks go to the injured squad members who turned out despite their injuries. Man of the match was Jon Pearson.

* The Darlington 21st Allstars Under-8s are a competitive friendly team who need to sign new team members. If you want to join this team, contact Amanda Campbell on (01325) 362220.