Reserves edged out by Darlington

The Owls Reserves suffered a second successive Pontins Holidays League defeat as visitors Darlington edged them out by a single goal. The game, as will the remaining 'home' fixtures for Wednesday, was played at the home ground of local amateur side Stocksbridge Park Steels. An agreement was made recently by both clubs to help aid a struggling Hillsborough pitch.

Darlington scored the game's only goal after 65 minutes through Martin Smith while the visitor's line-up included former Owls defender Patrick Collins, who left for the north Yorkshire side in the summer of 2006.

The Owls fielded a number of first team fringe players including Yoann Folly, Kenny Lunt, Etienne Esajas and Peter Gilbert but they were unable to help find an equalising goal.

McAuley verdict: "Obviously it was disappointing to lose out to Darlington but it proved to be a good workout, especially for the younger lads who needed a game after the under-18s match on Friday was postponed."