Darlington Spraire Lads: SPRAIRE Under-8s found themselves defending from the off with Bishop Auckland St Mary's quickly taking a 2-0 lead.

Spraire replied in the first half with an excellent free-kick from Joel Hutchinson taking the score to 2-1 at the interval. In the second half St Mary's went on to score a further three. Spraire made a further attempt on goal where Joel took the ball cleanly around the keeper but hit the post. There were some great saves from Spraire goalkeeper Masimo Impagliazzo who was named man of the match for Spraire as the game ended 5-1.

Spraire Lads Under-9s played away to Fishburn Boys in what was a very entertaining game. Spraire started well, and took the lead through a spectacular overhead kick by Jamie Maddison. Fishburn got back on level terms just before half-time, after Spraire were denied three good penalty shouts. Spraire raised the tempo in the second half, but just as it looked as though both teams would share the points, super sub Ryan Jones scored a brave close range header to give Spraire a good 2-1 victory. Man of the match was Jamie Maddison

The friendly game gave Spraire the opportunity to rotate a few players, and the players that came in staked a claim for the first team. Neat attacking football resulted in a good 2-2 draw. Goalscorers were Zak Allan and Majid Hajamahmoud. Man of the match was Zak Alan.

Spraire Lads Under-9s also played St Johns Juniors and were made to work hard for all three points, and had to come from behind to keep their promotion hopes alive, beating St Johns Juniors 2-1. Spraire went behind in the first half, when St John's striker scored with a good finish from the edge of box. With time running out, Luke Boardman broke free and finished well in the bottom corner. Spraire grabbed all three points in the last minute of the game, when Luke Boardman found space in the box to score his and Spraire's second goal of the game. Man of the match was Michael Charlton for fantastic work effort. Spraire won the friendly 4-0. Ryan Jones scored two excellent goals; one a volley from the half way line, and Zak Allan also scored a good brace. Man of the match was Ryan Jones

Spraire Lads Under-10s, sponsored by EHL Electrical & Mechanical Services, earned a hard fought draw in their home fixture against Heighington. Spraire managed to take the lead from a corner kick and Brandon Keller scored his fourth goal of the season, making himself Spraire's top goalscorer in the process.

Heighington equalised with two minutes to go from a sweetly struck 25-yard shot which flew into the top corner of Spraire's goal. The pressure continued but Spraire held out for a deserved point, Joshua Parker picked up the Man of the Match award for a high-energy performance.

Spraire Lads Under-10s also played Fishburn Juniors. After a goalless first half Spraire were put under a lot of pressure but stood up well until five minutes from the end when a corner found its way to the back post and was slotted in. Fishburn then doubled their lead two minutes later. Liam Pollock was awarded the man of the match award for a very hard working performance in midfield.

Mount Pleasant Rangers

MOUNT Pleasant Rangers Under-12s A team, sponsored by Paul Saddington Builders, played the 21st Allstars at home and won 9-0.

Mount Pleasant Rangers were comfortable winners in their local derby game, with all the Mount Pleasant squad contributing towards the result. Rangers' goals came from Rikki Gann (3), Euan Legg (2), Micheal Jordison, Jon Burn, Jim Wilson, Lewis Durham. Man of the match was Allstars goalkeeper.

Mount Pleasant Rangers Under-10s B, sponsored by Noble Vehicle Hire, played Eaglescliffe Elementis at home. After five minute Rangers were a goal down, and despite gaining four corners in the first half, the score was 2-0 to Eaglescliffe at half-time.

In the second half Rangers conceded a third goal. Rangers were unlucky when Andrew Ward's effort came back off the post and a great shot from Aaran Dinsdale forced the Eaglescliffe keeper to make a brilliant save.

The captain and man of the match was Joseph Austin.

The friendly match was a joy to watch. Rangers played well. Both Harry Bowes and Owen Guest had shots at goal before Joe Wilson scored ahead of half time. Rangers were able to pass and keep possession of the ball, and this showed by the final whistle as they kept a clean sheet winning 1-0. The captain was Andrew Dobson. The man of the match was Kieran Wainwright, who played brilliantly up front after handing his goalkeeping gloves to Andrew Ward.

The Under-15s, sponsored by NT Whitfield Transport, played away at Division One Cleveland Juniors in a friendly game. The final score was 6-3 to Cleveland Juniors,

The Under-10s A, sponsored by Burnside Carpets, played an away game at Brinkburn. After a goalless first half a frantic scramble in the goalmouth saw Brinkburn score a goal. MPR fought back but chances from Cameron Callaghan and Cain James couldn't be converted into goals. Pressure from the Brinkburn forwards saw MPR concede a late goal to make the final score 2-0. Rangers man of the match was captain James Bradshaw.

The friendly match saw MPR continue to pressure Brinkburn who defended strongly and caught MPR on the counter attack forcing an early goal. MPR conceded another goal in the second half. MPR received a consolation goal courtesy of a tap in from Gareth Raper as Brinkburn ran out 5-1 winners. Man of the match was Lewis Timms

Mount Pleasant Rangers JFC Under-9s, sponsored by Auto Electrics (Teesside) Ltd, played away at the 21st Allstars. In a thoroughly entertaining derby encounter Mount Pleasant twice took the lead through Luke Taylor and Sam Hutchinson only for the Allstars to hit back. All Stars scored two quick goals in the second half to win the match 4-2. Man of the match was Mitchell Little.

In the friendly Mount Pleasant boys beat the Allstars 2-1. A deflected shot from Daniel Pigg and a fine strike from Mitchell Little sealed the win. Man of the match was Gary Bell.

MPR Under-13s played away at Thornaby and lost 3-1. Rangers' goalscorer was Jordan Smith and man of the match was Jordan Green.