Darlington Spraire Lads

WITH the improving weather some sort of normality returned to the league programme. However, due to rearranged cup-ties and one postponed match for a waterlogged pitch it was far from a full programme.

At U-13 level, the B team played Allstars' Colts and secured an emphatic 17-1 win. Scorers: Webb (2), Jakeway (5), Martin, Tarrent (3), Nimo (2), Brown, Langley (3).

In the same age group, the A team went into the next round of the cup with a 2-0 win over Billingham Boys. Scorers: Storey, Healey. At U-14 level, Spraire enjoyed a fine 10-1 win over Seaton Carew. Scorers: Kelland (4), Groves(2), Hanson, Williamns, Duffy, Grant.

The U-12 A team played Cleveland Juniors and lost 5-1. Scorer: Craig Lavelle. The B team also suffered a defeat. Despite a MoM performance by 'keeper Petch, Spraire lost 4-0 to AWS Catterick.

In mini- soccer, the Under-eights played in the cup quarter final. Goals by Kneeshaw (2) and Chambers gave Spraire a 3-2 victory over Hartburn Juniors.

In girls' games, Spraire drew two games. In the first against Simply Lasses it was 0-0 and the second game against Reyrollers was 1-1. Scorer: McKnight. Goalkeeper McTeague received the girl of the match trophy. Barr defended well and Atkinson worked hard in midfield.

The Under-nines played two home games and two away games at the weekend, catching up on a backlog of games. On Saturday, the B team had a cup game at home against Hartburn Juniors. After a very good game, including extra time, Spraire lost 3-2. Scorers: Matthew York, Adam Swan. MoM: Paul Jefferson.

On Sunday, the A team played in the U-10 Teesside Junior Football Alliance against Aycliffe Youth and drew 0-0. It was a hard-fought game with many chances but Spraire failed to capitalise. Spraire MoM: Johnny Blewitt. They also played a friendly against Aycliffe Youth and won 3-2. Scorers: Thomas Smalley, Nicky Petch, Dominic Ryan. MoM: Ben Freary.

Also on Sunday, the B team played an Evening Gazette League game against Hartlepool Crest. The results, that did not do justice to the way Spraire played, was a 2-0 defeat. MoM: Josh Newton.

l To help promote girls' football, Spraire are holding a free training session at Eastbourne sports complex on March 1 at 5-6.45pm. Anyone interested should contact Dave Scott on (01325) 253581.

Crook Town Horizon

Glass Juniors

Crook Town Horizon Glass visited Whitburn Saints in the Russell Foster Tyne and Wear Youth League and suffered a 3-0 defeat although playing with renewed flair and determination which had been lacking in recent matches. They were unlucky not to go ahead when Stephen Richardson curled in a corner, which almost found the net but was eventually scrambled away.

Whitburn looked certain to go ahead after 15 minutes when Dominic Otun outpaced the Crook defence and rounded keeper Stuart Walker but Chris Lowes managed to get back and save the situation.

Whitburn scored after 27 minutes when a scramble in the Crook goalmouth saw the ball fall to Michael Stewart who tapped the ball over the line.

Crook again performed well at the start of the second half with Craig Cowan, Adam Reed, Chris Lowes and Darryl Reed showing up well. However, their luck was right out when, after 55 minutes, Stephen Hailes scored direct from a corner.

Crook pushed forward but were unfortunate to be caught on the break five minutes from the end when Darryl Reed deflected John Graham's shot past his own keeper.

The man of the match award for Whitburn went to Michael Gibson, while Stuart walker and Chris Lowes shared the award for Crook. Tomorrow, Crook are away to Hebburn Reyrolles with a noon kick-off