IT was boys in blue against boys in blue during a football match at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena last night - but there was no colour clash.

Darlington Police played Langbaurgh Police in the final of the Meredith Trophy - the Emergency Services League's senior cup.

Darlington were defeated 4-1 but they reached the final in fine style by winning their semi-final 3-2 - despite having their captain, PC Ian Douglas, sent off for violent conduct. He reacted after a strong tackle.

More than 700 tickets, at £2 each, were sold for the match, with money raised - expected to be more than £2,000 - being donated to the Great North Air Ambulance.

There was also a raffle, programmes, and £1,000 sponsorship from Steve Whitehead, the 24-hour board and glazing company.

Darlington spent the day at their home ground, Darlington Rugby Club, to prepare.

Manager Kevin Wilson said after the game: "We're gutted, but the match was closer than the score suggests.

"What matters is how much we raised for charity - we'll have a few drinks in the bar to celebrate that if nothing else."

Darlington's police team has not won a competition since the side was formed in 1988. The team came third from bottom of the nine-team league. Games were held on Thursday afternoons and shift patterns meant Darlington had 26 squad players.