The 1st Win

Boro recorded their first win of the pre-season schedule tonight in their away friendly against neighbours Darlington at the TFM Darlington Arena.
Boro fielded a team of local lads, with the exception of Emanuel Pogatetz and Jason Euell and were easily the better team, getting of to a good start and creating some good chances. James Morrison, on the right, and Tom Craddock, up front, linked in well together on several occasions and it was Morrison who set up the young forward to score his first senior goal for the Boro midway through the 1st half.
Boro went into the break leading 1 goal to nil, but an injury to long suffering defender, Matthew Bates, gave Gareth Southgate cause for concern as the 20-year-old was substituted early in the first half.
Boro continued their charge against the Quakers in the second half and created a series of chances before Craddock bagged his second of the night against his hometown club.
Darlington did create some good chances but Boro keeper, David Knight, had little to do all night and pulled of some comfortable saves when called upon.
Darlington fielded 3 trialists through the course of the game as well as several new signings but it was apparent that they need more time to gel as a unit.