HAVING served an apprenticeship in the Northern League, scoring goals for several clubs in recent seasons, Harvey Saunders finally made his mark for Darlington in dramatic fashion.

The 19-year-old from Staindrop came off the bench midway through the second half, and four minutes into added on time scored an equaliser, just seconds after Worcester City went ahead.

He found space in the hosts’ penalty area to rise and deftly head home Gary Brown’s cross, and manager Martin Gray was delighted with the substitute’s impact.

“It was a great ball into the box by Gary Brown for a 94th-minute equaliser and it was a great header.

“He’s a great lad with a lot to learn. It was a really important goal and gets us a vital point away from home.

“He’s a young boy, only 19-years-old, a game young boy who has a lot about him.

“I like his desire and hunger, he’s so willing and he wants to be successful.

“He’s got a lot to improve on, but his attitude is amazing and he gets goals because he gets himself into good positions.”

Saunders has turned out for Darlington RA, Dunston UTS and Ryhope CW, while he was attached to Quakers last season, playing in a league cup game, and he was an unused sub for the title-clinching game at Whitby Town.

“His pace is exceptional and it’s great that he came on and got a vital point for us,” added Gray.

“I’m delighted for him because he’s worked hard. He’s put some shifts in in the Northern League and scored goals.”

Saunders’ goal rescued a point for Darlington, who were 1-0 up until the closing stages thanks to a Dave Syers header.

Gray added: “The players did not get complacent because they haven’t got that in their make-up. You’re not going to get outstanding performances every week and the point today might be the difference come the end of the season.

“If we’d come away with nothing then it would’ve been very disappointing. Results around the country were good for us, but we’ve dropped two points today, there’s no question about.”