This match was played at Brinkburn Road as part of the Durham County FA Minor Cup Prelim Round.
Darlington RA U23 and Billingham Synthonia Reserves drew 2-2 in a closely contested match, but Billingham Synthonia Reserves won the tie after a penalty shootout, securing a 5-3 victory on penalties. Billingham Synthonia Reserves benefitted from two goals by Dawn Kutol and Kyle Robson, while Darlington RA U23's goals were scored by Evan Porter and Harry Weeks.
Ayden Mahachi from Billingham Synthonia Reserves was awarded a yellow card.
Ayden Mahachi spent time in the sin bin for Billingham Synthonia Reserves.
For Darlington RA U23, Dylan Jones was replaced by Reece Thompson, Bailey Griffiths was replaced by Modou Lamin Ceesay, Kieran Brown was replaced by Ollie Rogerson, and Christian Holliday was replaced by Rohan Elder.
For Billingham Synthonia Reserves, Callam Maddren was replaced by Nicholas Obeng, Charlie Docherty was replaced by Callum Donnison, Jake Foy was replaced by Aaron Earnshaw, and Mason Forster was replaced by Ayden Mahachi.
Pre-Match Prediction Analysis
I had predicted this match to end in a narrow 2-1 win for Darlington RA U23, but both teams proved to be resilient, leading to a 2-2 draw and an unexpected penalty shootout, proving my assumption wrong!