Willington under-18 juniors, who won three trophies last season, continued the defence of the Auckland and District EBAC Youth League Cup with a midweek 2-0 victory in group one away to Bishop Auckland, the team they beat in last year's final.

John Richardson and Lee Jenner scored early in the second half to give Willington their second win in the competition.

Spennymoor Legion gained their first league cup win, a hat trick from Terry Garside contributing to their 4-2 success at home to Chilton YC. Andrew Spence was the other Legion scorer, Michael Carr and Tony Stubbins on target for Chilton.

Ferryhill made it two wins out of two in group two with a 5-3 victory over visitors Meadowfield. Ryan Kitelly (2), Chris Dixon (2) and Phil Sheehan scored for the Ferryhill lads, Andrew Graham getting all three goals for Meadowfield.

Newton Aycliffe drew 1-1 at home to Coundon & Leeholme. Martin Smailes put the Aycliffe lads in front at the start of the second half, Dale Jardine equalising with 15 minutes to go.

Coundon & Leeholme returned to league action on Saturday, their 4-2 success at home to Spennymoor Legion putting them three points clear at the top of the table. Coundon came back from two goals down to take the points with goals from Anthony Ebdon, Sean Carling and Daniel Wales (2). Jordan Bulmer and Terry Garside scored for Spennymoor who finished the game with only ten men due to injury after only having eleven players available.

Willington won 6-0 away to Meadowfield whose goalkeeper took an injury in the first half and had to come off at half time. Daniel Lee (2), Lee Jenner, Lee Thirkell, Robert Punshon and Sean Brown got the goals.

Newton Aycliffe won 3-2 at Ferryhill with Mark Butt, Richard Dimambro and Paul Walker on target. Chris Dixon got both goals for Ferryhill.

The game between Barnard Castle and Chilton was called off as Chilton were unable to raise a full side.

Willington

Willington Boys under-16s defeated visitors Hartlepool St. Francis 2-0 in the first round of the Durham County Cup. Martin Hopps got both goals for Willington, with Chris Hutton MoM.

The Willington under-14s lost 6-2 at home to Boldon Colts in the first round of the Russell Foster Junior League Cup after pulling back from 2-0 down to 2-2. MoM Lewis Hopps scored both goals for Willington.

In the Russell Foster short-sided leagues, Willington under-10s gained two victories, 3-1 over Sunderland Belford House and 2-0 against Town Castle Rovers. Jordan Roberts, Andrew Stubbs and Matt Cooper scored in the first game, with Cooper outstanding. Jack Davison and Roberts again were on target in the second match.

Willington under-nines secured two hard-fought wins, beating Belford House 1-0 and Easington 2-0. David Nelson (2) and Luke Elmes got the goals in two fine team performances.

Byers Green

Byers gained there first win of the season with a 5-3 victory away at Willington. Byers took the lead early on with a well worked goal scored by Michael Condron who had an outstanding game, but Byers did not sit back and continued to play good flowing football and increased their lead further through Condron who finished superbly again. Willington pulled a goal back before half-time. But early in the second half Byers regained their two goal cushion through Condron, who completed his hat trick. Midway through the second half Byers scored again through Adam Peart, this started a mini revival by Willington as they scored two quick goals. Byers picked up the tempo again and sealed the victory with a fine individual goal by Reece Ellis late in stoppage time.

Darlington 21st Allstars

This week most of the squads took part in first round cup matches and some excellent football was played.

The U9s were at home to NASC Jaguar's for their first league match of the season playing on their new pitch. The Allstars played some outstanding attacking football, leading to a 5-0 victory. Goal Scorers: Bradley Simpson (2), Liam Jarvie, William Whittaker, Steven Husband. The U9s also had a 4-0 victory against the Jaguars in a friendly with Bradley Simpson scoring two goals and Callum Roddy and Ellis Husband scoring. MOM was Bradley Simpson.

The U10s travelled to Barnard Castle with a very close hard fought matching ending in a 4-4 draw. Allstars ended the first half leading 3-0 up, but the team format was changed at half-time leading to Barnard Castle putting four goals in the back of the net. Goal Scorers Karl Hewitt, Jack Whittaker, Liam Browne, Danny Thomson. MOM Josh Phillips

The U11s played a nail-biting League Cup match away at Hartlepool Eldon Lions. The teams were drawing 2-2 at full time, but Dean Bland scored the winner in extra time and the final score was 3-2 to The Alistars. Sam Newton in defence had an outstanding game.

Goal Scorers: Jack Johns, Jamie Kilday, Dean Bland. MOM Sam Newton.

The U11 Colts were away to Ferryhill Town in this League Cup tie and pulled off a good team spirited performance. The normal time score was 3-3 but extra time saw the Allstars run out of steam and concede four goals with a final score line of 7-3 to Ferryhill. Goal Scorers: Dion Sung, Andy Collins (2). MOM Nick McStravick

The U12s took on Newton Aycliffe FC at home with a 5-1 victory. Goalscorers: Ross Kelly (2), Ross Burton (2) Callum Tarren. MOM Ross Burton

The U12 Colts were away to Hartburn Juniors and a hard League Cup-tie battle was fought. Opportunities were missed in the first half and Hartburn went ahead. The final score line of 5-1 is not reflective of this close fought match. Goal Scorers: Matthew Shaw. MOM Lewis Oliver.

The U13s were at home to Riverside Rovers in this League Cup cliffhanger. The full time and extra time scoreline was 0-0 with both teams playing some tight football and Chris Cook having to pull off some fine saves in goal to keep Allstars in the running. Lee Mullis missed a penalty in the match but was brave enough to step up as a penalty taker in the shoot out. All five penalties were converted in this hard fought victory. MOM Chris Cook

The U14s entertained Yarm Town Juniors in the League Cup first round losing 4-3 in a tough match. Goal Scorers: Sheridan, Banks, Wilson. MOM Jonathon Dunn

The U15s took on Chester le Street St Hilda's in this hard home Durham Cup match. St Hilda's played in an organised, attacking manner and punished the Allstars with an 8-0 defeat. Mark Briggs had an excellent game influencing a good spirited team performance.

The U5 Colts played their first round Durham Cup match at home to Sunderland Ashbrooke Rangers. Rangers proved to be a strong side and despite the commitment and team spirit of the Allstars, they romped ahead to this 5-1 victory. Goal Scorers: Chris Singh and MOM was Craig Slade.

The U6s were at home to Cornsett Juniors in this cracking Durham Cup-tie. Both teams battled hard and the teams were level at the end of normal time. Steve Howden scored the golden goal keeping the Allstars in the running. Goalscorers Jon Pearson, Carl Garthwaite, Lewis Moses, Steve Howden. MOM Steve Howden.

Spraire Lads and Lasses

Spraire Lads U14s 'B' made a sharp exit from the TJFA League Cup with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Teesside Rangers. Teesside Rangers were the better side overall and took their chances well. Jonathan Petch was awarded man of the match for some excellent saves in goal but Martin Dauber deserves a mention for his outstanding second half performance at sweeper.

In the Richmond League, a very inexperienced U14s side went down 8-1 at Catterick AWS. Man of the match was Tom Hind but Stuart Pattison also weighed in with a sterling performance in defence.

Spraire Lads U14s 'B' made a sharp exit from the TJFA League Cup with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Teesside Rangers. Teesside Rangers were the better side overall and took their chances well.

Spraire Lads U14s 'A' cruised through to the second round of the TJFA League Cup with a tremendous team performance resulting in a 6-0 victory over New Marske. Michael Lavelle scored two, with further goals from Craig Lavelle, Matthew Davison, Michael Ward and Tom Howard. Richard Shepperson was awarded Man of the match.

At under ten Spraire played in the league against Stockton West End. An unlucky own goal saw Spraire 1-0 down but the team battled hard and Dale Johnson got a deserved equalizer. Praise must go to the defence in which Wade Gilbert, Ashleigh Leighton and Brian Todd excelled. Man of the match went to Jackson Kneeshaw.

At under 15 both teams crashed out of the cup, the A team losing 7-3 with goals coming from Butler And two for Healey. The B team also went out of the cup losing 9-1 to Norton and Stockton the Spraire goal came from Oliver.

At under 16 Spraire found themselves a goal down against Fishburn in the cup. This was the wake up call the Lads required. The equaliser came from McMaster, with Shields header ensuring progress to the next round.

Spraire Lads U13s beat Stokesley 4-1 to go through to the second Round of the TJFA League Cup. Joseph Clamp displayed excellent ball control and pace to grab himself a hat-trick. Daniel Rimmer completed the scoring with a remarkable volley.

Spraire Lasses started brightly against Hartlepool St Francis, scoring through Rachel McKnight, Laura Gowling ten minutes and E McKnight after 14 minutes. St Francis held out in the second quarter to remain 3-0 down. Gowling scored two more to notch her hat-trick. Girl of the match Jordan Atkinson scored a well deserved goal, McKnight scored two more to also earn a hat-trick. Keely Edwards scored after 48 minutes with converted goalkeeper Kate McTague scoring a stunning free kick.

In another match the young Spraire Lasses then gained invaluable experience scoring through Keely Edwards. Katie McTague played well in goal. This was the girls' second match playing together. Grace Pattison played brilliantly dribbling down both flanks. Leah Curry commanded from defence and never stopped unning. Becky Lowes was solid in defence. Emma Carter gave a good midfield performance, Amy Barton had a good midfield performance. Briony Tonge was unclucky on three occasions not to score. Victoria Seddon was another strong defensive player.

Darlington Albion

The Under 9s played two games away to Bedaleand lost both 5-0. The Under 16s, their first competitive match, entertained visitors Bedale at Lingfield Point. In a close game, Albion persevered to snatch a late winner from an Andrew Poad corner going directly in to the back of the net in the last kick of the game. Other scorers were Daniel Woodford and Daniel Wilson in Albion's 5-4 victory.

The Under 15s' first ever league game away to Northallerton saw Albion outclassed. Poor defending in the first half saw them go in at half-time 9-0 down. The second half saw Albion create a few chances, but failed to capitalise. Man of the match went to Mark Hodges with good performances from Ben Dixon, Matty Sutton and Craig Brooker. Final score of 13-0 did not reflect the goalkeeper's solid performance.

The Under 14s, at home, struggled to gain the advantage with a very determined Northallerton side, who battled relentlessly throughout the match, becoming deserved 2-1 victors. Albion's goal was scored by Sam Richardson. Michael Martin was man of the match.

The Under 13s, playing in Under 14s league, entertained Northallerton at home. Albions first half saw a determined effort against a strong Northallerton side, going in at half time 2-0 down. The second half saw the age and size difference take its toll on the Albion players, however they still battled to the final whistle. Final score 9-0 to Northallerton.

The Under 12s played Thirsk Falcons at home, winning 4-2. An outstanding performance by the new look Albion team saw goals by Michael Johnson, captain Phil Caley, Chris Farlow and Jamie Brown. Man of the match was Andy Neill.

The Under 11s kicked off their first 11-a-side game away to Brompton. After a slow start Albion fell behind, but Lee Barnes scored to level it 1-1 at half time. Just after the re-start Brompton again went ahead before Ayden Carrick finished off a fine team move to make it 2-2. Man of the match was Joe Clare scored a great individual goal to put Albion ahead but Brompton levelled the game in the last minutes, final score 3-3.

Darlington Mount Pleasant Rangers

THE Under-12s A team played a league match against Leven FC and won 4-0. Rangers scorers were man of the match Kevin Coglan (3) and Mikey Smith.

The B Team played Total Soccer Sensations and after some good football unfortunately lost 3-1. Rangers scorer was man of the match Stew Leighton.

The Under-11s A team played in the second round of the TJFA League Cup at the weekend away to Whinney Banks. After some fantastic football by Rangers the score ended 6-3 to the away team. Rangers scorer was Craig Swainston with a superb double hat-trick. Man of the match was Ben Turnbull.

The B Team played their first league game at home against Total Soccer Sensations and won with a convincing scoreline of 5-1. Rangers scorers were man of the match Thomas Hutchinson (3) and Dominic Ryan (2).

The Under-8s A team played their first league game away to South Park Rangers and took the three points with a 1-0 victory. Rangers scorer was Lee Swainston and man of the match Cory Aldus.

The B Team played against the same side and settled for a 1-1 draw. Rangers scorer was Aidan Smith.

The Under-12s are looking for more players to boost their squad. If you fall into this age group and would like to play for Mount Pleasant Rangers JFC, turn up at Branksome School on Saturday mornings at 10am.