Darlington Simply Lasses

Darlington Simply Lasses continued their unbeaten run at the top of the Tyne-Tees Girls Youth League Under-12s South this weekend with their fifth successive win, which means they have taken a maximum 15 points from the first five games.

In a closely contested match at Norton & Stockton Ancients that had both sets of supporters animated, Darlington twice took the lead only to see Norton fight back into the game.

In the fifth minute a Darlington corner flighted into the goalmouth by Carly Wrangham was deflected into the net to give the away side the lead.

Seven minutes later Darlington had another corner but from the clearance Norton broke quickly out of defence for Kristie Cole to beat a defender and keeper to equalise.

In the 20th minute after several other chances Darlington took the lead again when Carly Wrangham hit a strong shot from distance that the home keeper was unable to hang onto. Carly increased her tally to two in this game, but to six in the matches so far this season. Four minutes later Philippa Thomas equalised for Norton after a throw in towards the Darlington area was not cleared, making the score 2-2.

A few minutes later Robyn Lucas of Darlington saw her shot go just over the bar while Amy Pratt in the Norton goal made several fine saves during the game to keep her side in contention.

In the last 15 minutes Darlington had several chances on goal, with both Carly Wrangham and Zoe Cooke shooting over the bar and Bronwyn Doran almost going close on her debut for Darlington but it was top-scorer this season Zoe Cooke who clinched the game five minutes from time.

After the ball had bobbled around in the Norton area, it fell to her feet close to the goal-line where she could not miss and in scoring brought her tally to 14 goals in six games!

Players of match: Amy Pratt (Norton), Carly Wrangham (Spraire).

Final score: Norton 2, Simply Lasses 3.

* Darlington Simply Lasses train every Saturday morning 10-12 at Alderman Leach Junior School and every Tuesday night at 6pm at Haughton School. If you would like further details about girls football and the Lasses contact Sue on (01325) 380485 or Ken on (01325) 259627. Their next match is against league newcomers Barnard Castle, at Stooperdale Avenue on Sunday (2pm).

South Durham Royals

The Under-12s Royals entertained Sunderland in a top of the table clash on Sunday and it was a closely-contested match.

Sunderland scored after ten minutes but Royals absorbed any further attacks and could have equalised through Vicky Wray and Helen Morrison before half time.

Royals defenders Alex Sanders and Jade White were outstanding in front of keeper Stephanie Hartley who held out until two further goals from Sunderland in the final 15 minutes made the score 3-0. Despite the result it was a good performance from Royals against an excellent side.

Four of the Under-12s squad have been selected to join the School of Excellence at Middlesbrough. They were chosen after undergoing a four-week trial. Rebecca Pattinson, Rebecca Toppin, Alex Sanders and Steph Hartley join Lisa Ward and Katie Hewitson who were chosen at Under-16 level. They will play their first competitive games today in an Academy tournament in Newcastle.

Chloe McKay from the Under-13 squad has been chosen to join Sunderland's School of Excellence.

The Ladies team travelled to top of the table East Durham and were beaten 6-0.

* Training for players aged eight to 14 takes place at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, Shildon 6.30-8pm Thursdays, 14-plus ladies 8-9.30pm. Anyone interested ring Jane (01388) 815009, Colin (01642) 785793.

Tyne Tees Girls

Youth League

Under-12s

Marton 7 v 2 Spraire Lasses

Marton took the lead after 6 minutes and then continued to attack but both keepers were in outstanding form. Spraire equalised on 22 minutes on the break. Marton added 2 more goals making it 3-1 going into the third quarter. Spraire broke again and scored making it 3-2, but Marton replied 2 minutes later. In the final quarter Sammy Conroy scored her hat trick. Players of the match were Emily Bateman and Katie McTague. Scorers, Marton - Samantha Conroy (3), Laura Wilson (2), Felicity Middleton and Stephanie Chisman. Spraire - Laura Gowling (2).