SUNDERLAND: The young Black Cats were unlucky to be eliminated from the under 18 Velo tournament at the weekend in Holland by Japanese Tokyo Verde by 1-0 at the quarter-final stage.

The goal came through an unfortunate deflection in the second period. Keeper Trevor Carson, pushed up front as a sub striker, hit the post in the final stages.

Tokyo reached the final where they los ton penalties after a 0-0 draw with Bolton.

In the early rounds, Sunderland beat Durham side Top Oss 1-0 with a goal from Jack Richardson, son of reserve coach Kevin. He hit a screamer on the volley following a ball from Liam Connelly.

Next up, the Black Cats drew 0-0 with Vilo of Holland, but had the best chances, with Kevin Davison hitting the bar and Richardson striking the post.

Yesterday, the eliminated sides met and Sunderland beat Belgian's FC Gent 3-0, with goals from Dave Dowson, an own goal and a Jack Colback strike in the last minute.

They then went one better, winning 4-0 against Sparta of Holland. Goals came from Dowson (2) and Colback from a set-piece strike. Jamie Chandler netted a long distance lob.

Acadamy manager Ged McNamee said: "It was a really worthwhile trip. We played five games, scored ten goals and conceded only one against quality foreign opposition."

DARLINGTON: Quakers got their season off to a winning start with a 3-1 win at Bradford on Saturday with goals from striker Richard Logan, midfielder Michael Tait and Wayne Clark who was making his debut.

Schoolboys Matthew Wearmouth and Scott Hunter were also in the side for the first time in match which coach Martin Gray was very pleased with.

He said: "We did very well, controlling the game from start to finish. We changed formation a bit in pre-season and it is working well.

"So it was nice to get off to a winning start because it breeds confidence and helps the players to bond."

HARTLEPOOL: Paul Stephenson's side lost their opener, going down 4-2 to Rotherham at Chester-le-Street.

After falling behind Martin Robinson dragged Pool level but they then went 3-1 down. David Foley reduced the gap with a volley but The Millers scored in the closing stages. Stephenson said: "Our attacking play was very good, we really should have scored more - it could have been 6-6. Some of the lads weren't disciplined enough at times."

Pool: Davison, Wood, Anderson, S Turnbull, Burns, White, Robinson, P Turnbull, Maidens, Mullen, Foley. Subs: Hetherington, Young, Haigh, Manson, Rochester.