Darlington Spraire Lads

THE Under-9s played all away games at the weekend. The A team figured in a friendly against Seaton Carew U-10s and won 2-1. Scorer: Craig Swainston. Mom: Michael Steel.

The C team also played a friendly against Seaton Carew B, winning 2-0. Scorers: Richard Hind and Dominic Ryan. Mom: Ben Freary.

The B team were in league action against Hartlepool Crest Under-10s. It was a hard fought game which ended in a 6-0 defeat for Spraire. Mom: David Johnston.

On Saturday, at Under-10 level, Spraire played Hartlepool St Francis in the cup quarter-final and in a tense clash, Spraire relied on keeper Ditchburn who made excellent saves in a goalless draw. In the penalty shoot-out, Spraire went through 4-3. On Sunday, it seemed the weather would again have the last laugh but the snow quickly cleared and most Spraire teams managed to play their games. The Under-10s played Hartlepool St Francis, this time in the league, Spraire losing out 1-0. The B team then played Hartlepool, drawing 0-0. The last game in mini soccer was a friendly when the Under-10s B team played Spraire Lasses, the Lads winning 1-0 with a goal from McVenna.

In the eleven-a-side game, Spraire drew 1-1 in a contentious game with Stockton West End, the Spraire goal coming from Sparrow. Man of the match was Martin. At Under-13, the B team enjoyed a great game of cup football against Hartburn Juniors, a team two divisions higher. In a close game, Spraire edged to a 1-0 victory, thanks to a goal from Nimmo.

The Under-12s B team went through to the semi-final of the Richmondshire cup with a 4-1 victory over Dales Diamonds, goals coming from Borrowdale (2), Moore and Thompson. Man of the match was Krishman.

The A team at this age lost 3-1 to Marton Hall Drive, their goal coming from Craig Lavelle. Man of the match was Elgie. At Under-14 level Spiuire won 4-1 against Norton and Stockton.

At Under-16, Spraire played Hardwick in the quarter final of the league cup. Despite playing below par Spraire took the lead when Cole's good pass found Emson who neatly tucked the chance away. Before half-time Blenkharn made it two and Spraire were cruising to the semis.

However, a determined Hardwick fought back with two well-taken goals to level the scores. Spraire regained the lead when Allen flicked on a powerful Ralph header in to the net.

The weather then took a turn for the worse with hailstones and wind causing a five-minute delay.

After the restart, Blenkharn scored his second and Spraire's fourth with a well-taken strike. However, with ten minuets to go Hardwick pulled one back to make it 4-3, Spraire surviving a tense finish to win by the odd goal.

Sedgefield Juniors

THE Under-13s were in Teesside Junior Football Alliance League Cup quarter final action, defeating South Bank Juniors 3-2 after trailing 2-0. The home team's goals were scored by Lee Williamson (2) and Anthony Smyth