Darlington 21st Allstars

THERE were distinct signs of improvement with a number of important league wins bringing renewed confidence which will be so important in the final weeks of the season.

The Under-14s recorded only their second Division One victory of the season, a 2-1 home win over Seaton Carew Juniors. Allstars took an early lead in the game through Stephen Howden's eighth goal of the season but they conceded an equaliser only for their superior all-round team performance to be rewarded with a last-minute winner from Lewis Moses. Darren Thompson was man of the match. The Under-11s continued on their merry way with a 4-0 win at home to Newton Aycliffe Youth, their 11th victory in 14 games, strengthening their hopes of the Division Three championship. The only goal of the first-half was a penalty from Lee Mullis but Allstars turned on the style in the second period to finish runaway winners. Robbie Gardner hit a 30-yard free-kick pile driver and man of the match Freddie Huscroft made it 17 for the season with a brace.The Under-15s got back to winning ways in the league with a 3-2 victory at home to Guisborough ESCO in an evening balanced match. Tariq Inayatullah hit his tenth goal of the season early on and the man of the match Lee Harding scored twice to confirm Allstars' narrow victory. The Under-12 Colts continued their heavy end-of-season programme with a trip to Leven AFC and a much better performance and more overall commitment than in the previous match. However, all the good work was undone in the last 30 seconds with Leven netting and the Colts therefore losing 1-0. Man of the match was Richard Banks for a tireless defensive display. The Under-12s were also in midweek action at home to Norton and Stockton Ancients and led 1-0 at half-time, courtesy of man of the match Jonathan Vinton's 12th of the season. However, the away side regrouped and managed two goals without reply in the second half, Allstars eventually losing 2-1. Then came the Division One meeting of the Allstars' Under-12s and the Under-12 Colts which turned out to be an excellent game with the Under-12s proving too strong and winning 3-0. Three well-taken goals from Dale Sheridan, Kyle Swankie (21 for the season) and Scott Wilson brought the victory and the Under-12s man of the match was Jonathan Dunn. The Under-13s were at home to leaders Claireville Boys and in a hard physical match went down 3-1.

After being 2-0 down, a goal from substitute Billy Johns brought renewed effort which all but brought an equaliser, only for the visitors to notch their third. Goalkeeper Marc Briggs was an outstanding man of the match.