Username
Password
U's 1 - 2 Darlington
By Dan Smith August 10 2002
Shaun Marshall is still a flapping nervous wreck, Shane Tudor is still tearing defences apart and Tommy Taylor is still fat. Not a lot has changed since last season as the U's lose yet another lead to let Darlington take all three points.
The U's got off to the start everyone has been dreaming of for the past few weeks when David Kitson let fly on six minutes to put the U's one up.

A mix up on a U's short corner somehow ended up with the ball being flighted into Darlingtons box. The ball landed at Kitsons feet and without any hesitation the ball was rocketed into the net. It was the start everyone had been hoping. But after that things could only get better for Darlington...

The U's continued to stroke the ball around for most of the half, with the new system adopted by Shaggy working seemingly well. For most of the first half it seemed like there would only ever be one winner in this match.

Shaun Marshall seems to have an off day every match he plays, and this was no exception. In a mix-up with Phil Warner, Shaun Marshall nearly lost the U's early lead. He ran out to clear an overhit Darlington pass and there seemed to be no problem. Then for some reason Shaun Marshall decides to turn around and run back to his goal, leaving the Darlington player an empty net. A big let off for Marshall saw the Darlington shot hit wide.

You'd of thought this near miss would have woken up the U's and got them playing again. This wasn't quite the case, and just before half time the U's were drawn level. Marshall should have at least got a hand to ginger Ian Clarks volley from outside the box, but it wasn't to be. Clarks shot goal took the visitors in at the break level.

Darlington substitute keeper Chris Porter took to the pitch in place of injured Andy Collet, who had to go off with a head injury after a David Kitson challenge in the first half. Five minutes into the half Porter had to put on Collets shirt, as his white top clashed with the Darlington outfields grey kit. While changing tops the North Terrace faithful got a eyeful of Porters rear-end as he pulled his shorts down to tuck in his new top, not a nice sight...

When attacking towards the Newmarket Road end the men in amber and black usually raise their game, but today was an exception as most of the half was all about Darlington.

As the U's entered the last 20 minutes of the game you had a sense the same old habits were still lurking, and that early lead would be lost and all three points thrown away. This was confirmed 15 minutes from time when Darlington took the lead through Ashley Nicholls well placed shot.

3600 U's fans trudged out of the stadium with all optimism of that bright start lost. Lets just hope the reasonable attendances continue and that we win at Bury on Tuesday. Welcome back to the Third Division United.

Man of the Match: Shane Tudor

Cambridge United 1 - 2 Darlington

Bookmark or share this story with: