You know the saying 'it never rains it pours.' Well that old phrase is very apt at the moment around the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena over the Christmas period, in fact the only pick me up for today was the fact it couldn't possibly get any worse. The focus next week will inevitably shift to the re-opening of the transfer window but this week's question mark loomed over the team Dave Penney had at his disposal for the arrival of Shrewsbury; the prognosis of extraordinary role call unclear until yesterday.
However, it seems things are on the up - only Craig James was sent home ahead of the game but was recovered sufficiently to start the match against Shrewsbury. But as for the rest of the side normality was resumed to an extent, despite only one day's proper training under its belt - with Conlon, Joachim, Keltie and Wainwright all returning. And it was one of the returnees - Conlon - who came closest to carving out an early lead for his side. James' inswinging free kick to the far post enabling the Irishman to have a head on goal after just six minutes but it was too obtuse to beat the post.
This was the catalysts for a little spell of pressure from the hosts; Wainwright fired into the side netting after Joachim's good work on the right touchline and just earlier Martin Smith's teasing ball into the box was awkwardly scooped away from Conlon by Scott Shearer. But the best break came just before the twenty-minute mark, Neil Wainwright battling through the bog after Conlon's quintessential control and lay off but the winger couldn't get enough on to cross into Joachim and Keltie - who started the move with an excellent interception.
Barring a Cooke goal ruled out for a massive offside and a excellent lunging tackle by Collins to prevent a goal bound Michael Symes shot, Darlo, without excelling, had the better of the first quarter, a slight dominance that Joachim should have compounded on twenty-five minutes clearing the ball forwards with a sprightly little run but perhaps it was indecision and lack of confidence in front of goal that combined to quell any chance of a shot with defenders outnumbering attackers as the rain continued to pour ripping up the already far from perfect surface.
But it was the genius, the crème de la creme of Darlington that came closest to breaking the deadlock. Keltie won back possession after Conlon's loose touch, feeding Smith down the left channel and his spank towards goal was only denied by a terrific touch by Shearer onto the post. And Shearer's defensive cohort Sagi Burton saved his side from going behind moments later, positioned well on the far post to unorthodoxly nudge away paddy Collins's header on goal. Two good opportunities just before the break squandered. It proved to be costly.
As half time neared Shrewsbury who had barely threatened a decent shot all half, popped up with a goal to take the lead. Symes was left to simply nod in Neil Ashton's far post cross. But the lead was short lived as the hosts hit back almost immediately after the restart. Following a couple of encouraging probes down the left by Smith enthusiasm grew that this could possibly be the day we stop the rot. An enthusiasm rewarded three minutes into the second half when Cummins and Wainwright combined with a forward header and strong hold off of his marker respectively to feed in JJ eight yards out and regardless of how low his confidence may be JJ doesn't miss those sort of chances.
Darlington then went on to produce a sustained spell of pressure that looked good enough to create a lead. Holloway's interception fed Wainy down the right, his instep to Conlon was worked well into Joachim's feet but the greasy surface took the ball away from the veteran. Spreading the play well and using both flanks effectively the men from the Meadow were somewhat on the back foot but held out with a nervous and unconvincing resolution.
However they could have retaken the lead when an incisive breakaway by Symes made him favourite to beat the defenders to the penalty area where Collins' upended the former Bradford man inches outside. Arguably the last man, but common sense would say not so; and for once common sense prevailed with just a booking the punishment for the versatile stopper.
Darlington's best outlet in Smith was replaced by Logan and yet another Symes counter attack threatened to penetrate seemingly thinning Darlo rearguard. With just close and the keeper to beat he tried a low shot which Stockdale excellently, in the conditions, blocked sending the ball skimming wide for a corner. A big test for the youngster who passed with flying colours.
As a vastly improved display approached its finale, a heartbreaking anti-climax was to unfold. In almost identical circumstances to the first half, the reward for a minor domineerance was diddly squat after Dave Edwards had as good as an open net to head home Symes' knock back across goal with three left on the clock. It was a much improved performance without question, however the fact that this level of performance is considered an improvement is a tearful reminder of the unseen predicament this club finds itself in. Better but still not good enough in front of goal, results today could put The Quakers seven points off a relegation place, stark but very real contrast to what was expected six or seven weeks ago.
As we stare to the heavens bemoaning our fortune all we have to hold onto is the fact the transfer window is a matter of days away; this will undoubtedly be the making or breaking of the season; and the pedigree of Penney will need to be unshelled here if only to bring a wry smile back onto the terraces. Many question if the season is already over? It most certainly isn't; the unpredictability of League Two makes this campaign a pressure cooker ready to explode but where will the Darlington shrapnel finish; here's only hoping a New Year will bring new fortune.
Darlington: Stockdale, Close, Collins, Holloway, James, Wainwright, Keltie, Cummins, Smith (Carlos Logan 66), Joachim, Conlon (Reay 70). Subs: Ngoma, Griffith, Norton, Carlos Logan, Sean Reay.
Shrewsbury: Shearer, Hall, Langmead, Burton, Herd, Drummond, Davies, Edwards, Ashton, Cooke (Thomas 90), Symes. Subs: Sorvel, MacKenzie, Humphrey, Jones, Thomas.
Darlington bookings: Cummins, Collins.
Shrewsbury bookings: Burton.
Goals: Symes 45th min (0-1), Joachim 48th min (1-1), Edwards 87th min (1-2).
Report by Garry Mann.
