Quakers win thrilling derby

Match Report: Darlington FC U13 vs Hartlepool FC U13 (3-2)Date: September 21, 2024Venue: Eastbourne Sports Complex, Darlington

Sponsor: NC Group Ltd

Darlington U13S claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Hartlepool U13S in a thrilling encounter at Eastbourne Sports Complex. Both sides showed great determination, but Darlington’s clinical finishing and resilience in defence secured them the win in a match filled with end-to-end action.

First Half:

,The match began at a frantic pace, with Hartlepool creating the first real chance early in the game, only to be denied by a sharp save from Darlington’s Charlie Reay. However, it was Hartlepool who struck first with some tidy play resulting in their forward striking a ball off the underside of the bar and the referee declaring the ball had crossed the line on the bounce.

Darlington responded well and immediately put the Hartlepool backline under pressure, resulting in a flurry of free kicks. Following the award of an indirect free kick just on the edge of the box, some clever work between Finley Childs and Oliver Ross resulted in the latter finding the bottom corner with a great strike.

The game continued to ebb and flow with both teams playing some fast-flowing football; however, both defences and goalkeepers proved resolute, and the game was finely balanced at 1-1 at the break.

Second Half:

Darlington came out strong in the second half, pressing high and looking to take the lead. Both teams continued to create chances and both goalkeepers made good saves early in the second half to keep the score at 1-1. Darlington were rewarded for their good play in the 45th minute when some nice play resulted in a through ball into the path of Striker Oliver Ross, who made no mistake and made it 2-1 with a tidy finish to the bottom corner of the net.

The momentum seemed to be with Darlington, who continued to create chances but looked susceptible to Hartlepool's quick counter-attacking. Darlington’s defence held firm, and they nearly extended their lead from a corner which fell awkwardly at the back post. Defender Ashton Martin swung a leg, and the ball flew narrowly wide of the right post with the chance going begging. Hartlepool's efforts were rewarded around the 60th minute mark, when an excellent through ball beat the Darlington defence and the Hartlepool striker slotted home tidily to level the game at 2-2.

In the final 10 mintutes, both teams threw everything forward in search of a decisive third goal, but Darlington’s defence held strong. A series of last-ditch tackles and important saves from Charlie Reay ensured the home side shut out Hartlepool. At the other end, Max Hunter stuck the bar from a free kick before Darlington’s persistence paid off just before full-time. They restored their lead in the 67th minute in fine fashion. Midfielder Thomas Orton curled an inch-perfect through ball into the path of attacking midfielder Finley Childs, who broke the line and set off towards the edge of the Hartlepool box. With the covering defender closing in and an option to his left, the attacking midfielder fainted back on to his right foot just outside of the edge of the 18-yard box and struck the ball into the top right corner of the goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Darlington saw out the final 3 minutes with excellent game management to retain the ball well despite Hartlepool’s high press.

Final Thoughts:

Darlington U13S showed great character to bounce back after conceding twice, and their clinical finishing proved to be the difference in a closely contested match. Hartlepool put up a strong fight, but Darlington’s defence remained resolute in the final minutes to secure all three points.

Player of the Match:

• Ashton Martin (Darlington): Led by example in defence and was crucial in stifling out the Hartlepool attack.

  
  

Final Score: Darlington U13S 3-2 Hartlepool U13