Source: Northern_Echo
Friendly run-out for reserves and trialists
A SELECTION of reserves and trialists made up a Darlington side that played a friendly at Whitby Town last night.[LNB] Mark Bower continued his comeback from an ankle injury while Quakers manager Steve Staunton took a look at Leeds midfielder Josh Falkingham and Everton midfielder Steven Morrison during Darlington's 4-1 win.[LNB] Staunton has allowed Moses Barnett to return to Everton following the completion of his loan deal.[LNB] The Everton left-back was one of Staunton's first signings and he played in all five of the manager's games since his appointment.[LNB] He showed promise early on, but Barnett's latest game in Quakers colours Saturday's defeat at Barnet saw the 18-year-old put in a disappointing display.[LNB] Last night's friendly fixture at the Turnbull Ground was also an opportunity for some players to gain match fitness, while winger Nathan Mulligan played half the game.[LNB] The 23-year-old joined two weeks ago from Norton and played as a sub at Hereford United, but he was unavailable for last Saturday's trip to Barnet as he was cup-tied.[LNB] Diop, who scored against Barnet, and Mulligan will hope for a place in the starting XI for this weekend's game with Burton Albion at The Northern Echo Arena.[LNB] Mulligan, despite his relatively young age, would remarkably be one of the oldest players in Quakers' line-up, which on Saturday had an average of 23.[LNB] Eleven of the 18-man squad were younger than Mulligan, including homegrown teenagers Corey Barnes and Josh Gray who both impressed Staunton against Barnet.[LNB] He said: Corey's only 17 but he has been excellent and it was great to see Josh Gray back because he was excellent too.[LNB] Josh is nowhere near match-fit, he couldn't play 90 minutes yet, but he had a positive impact when he came off the bench.[LNB] As well as Barnett, Staunton has also loaned others teenagers and he holds no fears about doing so again.[LNB] He said: We're trying get a balance between experience and youngsters.[LNB] The young players we've brought in are from Premier League clubs and as long as they are better than what we've got I'll continue to take them whether they're young or old because I know they can play. They're learning on the job but that's just like any job.[LNB] The minute you stop learning you are finished.[LNB]
