Barnard Castle Reserves edged out by Haughton-le-Skerne

North Riding Football League Division One Barnard Castle Reserves 1 Haughton-le-Skerne 2

Barney Reserves suffered a narrow defeat in their first home league game of the season.

Haughton-le-Skerne were the visitors and the Darlington side took the lead through Liam Leinster. But Barney, who drew their opening game 2-2, hit back when George Lee hooked the ball home a few minutes later. A draw looked a likely outcome until Max Banham grabbed the winner for Haughton.

Barney boss Scott Denton wasn’t too downhearted, saying: “I felt we had control of the game to start with. It was a close game and a draw would probably have a been a fair result. We had a few chances, especially in the second half. They were a good side, they had quite a few lads who are dual-registered with Richmond Town’s first team and we have one or two players finding their way.

“We just need to give it time and things will come together. Coming up a division, you can’t expect to win every game, so we’ll see how it goes.”

Barney Reserves don’t have a fixture this weekend.

Wearside League Premier Division Ferryhill Athletic 0 Barnard Castle 1

Barney bagged their first win of the new Premier Division season at Ferryhill on Wednesday evening.

Zack Blythe scored the only goal of a game that featured the partial eclipse of the sun!

John Close’s side are next in action on Tuesday at Tens Field when South Moor will be the visitors (6.45pm).

Darlington Sunday Invitation League Division One Middleton Wanderers 1 Evenwood Town 1

Wanderers put in a positive performance against Evenwood but had to be content with a draw. Tyler Heavyside scored for the home side in the 72nd minute and Liam Bell was man-of-the-match.

Darlington Skerne Park 2 Staindrop Wheatsheaf 3

A tense, five-goal thriller was won by Wheatsheaf, whose goals came from Sam Hodgson and Dan Hull, who scored a brace.

Division Two Barnard Castle Rangers 1 Bishop Auckland Hospital Social Club 8

Division Two new boys Barney Rangers suffered a baptism of fire, losing 8-1. Ollie Linsley scored the home side’s consolation goal early in the second half.

Bishop Auckland Manor 1 Gainford Cross Keys 1

Gainford began their season with a 1-1 draw with Shane Walker scoring their goal and Ben Moore taking the man-of-the-match honours.