Both Darlington Simply Lasses and Middlesbrough played entertaining football in what initially looked to be a very one-sided affair with Darlington starting very strongly. But by the full-time whistle blew on their Tyne Tees Girls Youth League fixture, no fewer than 19 goals were scored by the two teams!

Lisa Kelly scored three goals the opening 15 minutes in a period in which the home side dominated. Abandoning her usual position of left back to cover for a missing player, Lisa was Darlington's player of the match and clearly enjoyed her midfield role for this occasion.

At the start of the second period Darlington went further ahead when a superb throw-in from Carly Wrangham landed deep in the Middlesbrough area and Darlington's right back Kerry Denham was on hand to push the ball home from short range to make it 4-0 to Darlington.

Middlesbrough, however, got back into the game and scored two goals within a few minutes.

But Carly Wrangham had the home crowd on their feet a few minutes later when she lobbed the ball, David Beckham-style, from the half-way line, high into the roof of the Middlesbrough goal and shortly afterwards Kerry Denham scored in similar fashion with a well-placed free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

During this period Middlesbrough had several attempts on goal and were very unlucky not to add to their tally however, it was Lisa Kelly again who made the score 7-2 to Darlington by scoring with a strong shot from her left foot.

In the third period both teams scored twice; Darlington's first from a penalty taken by Kerry Denham after Sophie Dowson had been denied a certain goal by being pushed off the ball. Middlesbrough then scored twice in close succession before Kellie Cox got on the scoresheet for Darlington.

Into the last quarter and Middlesbrough came back into the game very strongly, giving Darlington much to worry about by scoring no fewer than four goals within ten minutes, bringing the score to 9-8 in favour of the hosts.

But in a very tense and exciting final five minutes Darlington held on to see Kerry Denham add two more superb goals to bring her tally to five on the day; the first a shot from near the half way line, the second from another well-taken penalty kick.

Middlesbrough's goals were scored by Jess Hughes (2), Gemma Craddy, Rachel Duncan (2), Becky Stephenson, Gemma Roper (2).

The final score was Darlington Simply Lasses 11, Middlesbrough 8. Players of the match were Lisa Kelly (Simply) and Gemma Craddy (M'brough).

* Darlington Simply Lasses are looking for new players and anyone interested in playing should contact Sue (01325) 380485 or Ken (01325) 259627. Training is Saturdays at Alderman Leach Junior School at 10 am or Tuesdays at Haughton School at 6pm.