Darlington 21st Allstars under 12s ended the season in great style by winning the Teesside Junior Football Alliance second division championship at Feethams on Sunday morning.

With the Allstars needing to win their last game to secure the title and gain their second successive promotion, Darlington FC had kindly agreed to let them play the crucial match against Teesside Athletic at Feethams.

There was a carnival atmosphere as the game got underway, but the opposition hadn't read the script and were out to spoil the party.

The Allstars started well enough and created plenty of chances, but the Athletic goalkeeper made outrageous saves to keep his side in the game.

As the first half drew to a close, chances had dried up and nerves were beginning to fray. Then leading goalscorer Jack Henderson was put through by Adam Hassan and his delicate chip as the keeper raced from his line put the Allstars ahead.

The second half started very much as the first had ended, with Allstars on the attack. A snapshot from the edge of the box by Jack Henderson found the corner of the net and the contest was effectively over.

The Allstars defence had only a few anxious moments and, with legs tiring on a big pitch, they shut up shop to secure the championship.

It was a fantastic end to a marvellous season for the Allstars, who remained unbeaten since last October. They won their last 13 games, scoring 70 goals and conceding only 15 in 18 games