SPRAIRE Lads Under-9s took on third-placed Aycliffe SC B at their Hummersknott School base, in Darlington, and both teams came away with a point apiece as it ended 1-1.

Aycliffe took the lead thanks to some sloppy defending when Spraire failed to clear their lines and the visitors punished them with a good finish to go in at half-time 1-0 up.

Spraire started much stronger in the second half but were denied on three occasions by the woodwork. However, an equaliser did not seem far away.

In the second half Spraire were awarded a free-kick on the edge of box and Bradley Middleton stepped up to blast home and make it 1-1.

In the dying stages Spraire were awarded a penalty after an Aycliffe handball, but Spraire were unable to convert the chance and the keeper saved well.

Despite the pressure from Spraire, Aycliffe held out for a point.

The man of the match award went to Lewis Walton.

In the friendly Spraire won 7-3 thanks to goals from Zak Allen (3), Oliver (3) and Jordan Fogg. Man of the match was Oliver McBurney.