Spraire Lads

WITH Spraire Under 7s not having a game it was the under 8s that opened the fixtures for the Spraire development teams.

The Under 8s enjoying a good season hosted a very determined Bishop Auckland Kings team and the visitors put Spraire under a lot of pressure. Frankie Pattison and Luke Llewellyn helped Spraire get on the scoresheet but the Kings were too strong and enjoyed the better result.

Spraire Under 9 Panthers entertained Ferryhill and it was a tough game for the Spraire as their unbeaten run was broken. Spraire’s Drew Bryant got on the scoresheet on two occasions but Ferryhill took the spoils with a good performance.

Spraire Under 9A travelled to Trimdon and maintained their current good form. The team put in an excellent performance with Josh, James and Jonny all enjoying success in front of goal from some well-worked build up play. Trim don did manage to beat Sam Pinnegar between the sticks but Spraire will be pleased with the result.

Spraire under 11s faced Normanby United at home and started brightly. Lewis Jordan scored a cracker before Charlie Harrison doubled the advantage. Normanby weren’t without chances though and forced keeper Ben Harle to make a number of saves. The game changed in the second half with Normanby taking the game to Spraire and with constant pressure secured two goals to make the game level. Normanby secured the comeback and win from the penalty spot.

Spraire keeper Matty Bateman got man of the match for Spraire under 12A for some great saves as Spraire could only achieve a draw with Ferryhill. The first half didn’t provide any goals with both teams toughing out a midfield battle. Ferryhill took the lead, eventually beating Matty who made a series of great saves, however this sprung Spraire back into life and with minutes remaining Jack Myers rounded the keeper to equalise. The game ended 1-1.

Spraire under 12s and Stockton Rangers, sporting Poppies on their strips, began today’s proceedings with an impeccably held one minute’s silence in honour of Remembrance Day. Spraire started the game slowly and soon found themselves two down before Spraire pulled one back through Stefan Hornsby but Stockton scored again just before half time. Stockton extended their advantage but Spraire eventually woke up and started to put pressure on Stockton. First Stefan scored from the penalty spot before Kieran Ellis scored a great solo effort to mark a possible come back. With time running out Louie Moore tucked home a goalmouth scramble to level the score to 4-4 before the comeback was complete when Ellis McMain headed home the winning goal.

In the dying minutes Spraire rubbed salt into the wounds when Kieran Ellis scored at close range to secure the 6-4 win.

Spraire under 14s hosted Northallerton Juniors and despite an energetic performance went down 3-0 to an organised Northallerton team.

Spraire Under 16s continued their recent run of form with an away trip to Leven, despite a local bonfire causing brief visibility problems. Spraire scored four goals during the first half to take a comfortable lead and a goal from both sides in the second half ensured Spraire took maximum points.

Teesside Junior Football Association

THE Under 11 top-flight match between Bishop Auckland Kings and Boro Rangers Boys ended in a 3-1 win for Rangers.

This win maintains the 100 per cent winning start for them and they have now won their first four league matches.

The goal for Bishop Auckland came from Kya Crawford and they now slip to fifth in the table, with Boro Rangers’ goals coming courtesy of Frankie Angioy who netted twice and Kieren Thompson. Boro Rangers are now in joint second place and only a point off the league leaders, but they do have a game in hand.

Stockton Under 11s Yellows turned in a superb team performance in recording their first league win of the season over Marton Whites.

The home clash was settled by striker Josh Shilham, who coolly slotted home a penalty in the second half after he was felled in the box.

Stockton, who pressed their opponents throughout, denying them space and time on the ball, had several chances to take the lead, the closest coming when Jude Harrison just headed wide from a Ryan Buckley free kick.

Josh Garnett, in the Stockton goal, pulled off a terrific save to deny James O’Brien an equaliser, but a draw would have been harsh on the Yellows who were outstanding from back to front, defender Joe Westcott was named man of the match for the way he nullified the Marton attack.

As was anticipated, a cracking game in the Under 12 first division as, in very much a local derby, across at Sandy Flatts in Acklam, Whinney Banks YCC hosted Marton FC Whites with the Banks eventually winning by four goals to three in what was a seven-goal thriller. Bobby Rye scored twice for the visitors, with Max Butler scoring their third, but Matty Fleming scored a tremendous hat-trick for Whinney Banks, with Dean Jennison scoring their fourth. Four teams, including Whinney Banks, are now joint leaders of this division which looks like being one to watch for the remainder of the season, with some high class teams and quality players battling for the championship. Even allowing for this reversal Marton Whites remain only three points off the leaders at this early stage.

The other Under 12 match last week failed to deliver a single goal as, in the fourth divisions top game, the defences of both TIBS B and Norton and Stockton Ancients Black held firm. This was not a surprising result as both sides boast the best defences in this division and, following this goalless draw, they both managed to maintain their unbeaten starts to the season.

Redcar Town Whites went to the top of the Under 13 fifth division by virtue of goal difference as they beat the previous league leaders Kader FC Juniors by three goals to nil.

This was the first reversal for Kader who remain level on points having played a game more, but the win maintains Redcar Town’s very impressive 100 per cent winning start to the season, and they do boast a tremendous defence which has conceded only three goals from five matches to date. Their goals last Sunday were scored by Jack Bowden, Owen Clarkson and Marshall Merry.

Marton FC Royals were another side to extend their 100 per cent winning record, this time in the Under 14 top flight, as they travelled the short journey across to Nunthorpe Athletic and won 2-0.

These were Nunthorpe’s first dropped points of the season and they remain very much in touch with the championship in yet another division which looks like one to keep an eye out for this season. The Marton goals last weekend came from Alseny Jalloh and Damien Scott and a quick mention for their defence which has yet to concede a single league goal after playing three matches.

Finally, from last Sunday, this time in the third division at Under 16 level, the travelling Darlington Youth team proved too strong for the previously 100 per cent Brompton Juniors who were their hosts last Sunday, with Darlington coming away with a comfortable 7-0 win.

Four league games played and four won now for Darlington, who boast both the best attack and the best defence in this division and they have also maintained their 100 per cent winning record.

Their goals last weekend from Joseph Smith, who scored a fine hat-trick, with both Dale Milburn and George Shaw finding the target twice each. Darlington Youth are in fourth place, only three points off the top position now, but with two games in hand on most of the teams above them and, even at this early stage, look like the ones all the others will be hoping will drop some points over the next few months.

Lots more league action coming this weekend, with a slightly reduced total of 257 fixtures scheduled, due to the next round of the North Riding County Cup also taking place on Sunday.

A cracking Under 11 fourth division match is in prospect between Bishop Auckland St. Mary’s Aces and Billingham Juniors in a game which should get underway around 11am.

This has the capabilities of being a great advert for junior football. Bishop Auckland have a 100 per cent winning record at this stage and have conceded only two goals in their first five league matches.

Billingham, however, are the top goalscoring team in this division, having notched in an impressive 43 in their seven games this far. A great match in prospect.

In the Under 12 sixth division second-placed New Marske play hosts to fourth placed Seaton Carew Tigers.

New Marske are unlikely to make this easy for the visitors though and the draw looks a favourable outcome. Kick off at 11am.

The Under 13 fourth division is yet another which looks like it will be closely contested this season.

An interesting game is scheduled where Kirk Merrington make the long journey down to Whitby to play Fishburn Park. Kirk Merrington are unbeaten after four games, but Fishburn have lost only once from the same number and this is a very difficult game to call.

High-flying Stockton Town, who are top of the Under 15 first division and currently 100 per cent after five matches, play hosts to Greatham FC, who themselves have not suffered a reversal so far this season.

Penultimately for this coming weekend, from another set of superb fixtures across all age groups, we focus on the Under 16 top flight match between league leaders Nunthorpe Athletic and Kader FC who are currently sitting in second, but so far are unbeaten to this point.

Another two sides with exemplary defensive qualities and a hard-fought encounter is anticipated. A match which should kick off around 1:30pm in another very competitive division.

In the Under 18 top flight, second placed Redcar Athletic entertain top of the table North Ormesby, who have won all six of their opening league matches while Redcar Athletic have won all three they have played, so something has to give on Sunday, kick off 1.30pm.

Darlington 21st Allstars

THE Under 8s had a convincing win at home to Stockton Blues running out 7-0 winners.

Man of the match James Wilson’s passing was a feature of the game. Harry Hodgson scored a well-taken hat-trick with Reuben Scotter firing home a brace with a goal from Ryan Wardell and an own goal to make up the 7-0 win.

The second game resulted in another win for the Allstars with goals from Nathan Theakston, Oakley Johnson, Ryan Wardell, Reuben Scotter and James Wilson in a 5-0 win.

The Under 11 Jets were beaten away at North Ormesby by seven goals without reply. Reece Spibey picking up man of the match.

Allstars Under 12s A, sponsored by Darlington Motor Factors, produced some outstanding football at home to unbeaten Guisborough Town Reds but still ended up on the wrong end of a 2-0 scoreline. With their regular goalkeeper missing, Ellis Roddy, normally a defender went in goal and produced a faultless display. Central midfielders Nathan Scott and Luke Jackson both picking up the MoM awards.

The Under 13 colts couldn’t make it six wins in a row as they were held 1-1 at home to Greatham. Greatham took the lead from the penalty spot but Steve Johnson fired home the equaliser.

Ross Howell was MoM with Ronnie Beattie scooping the most-improved performance.