Darlington v Scunthorpe United

Saturday, September 4, 2004

Football League Two

Darlington :
Russell, Valentine, Liddle, Fleming, Hutchinson, Clark, Close, Thomas (Keltie 63), Clarke (Kendrick 69), Russell, Convery (Wainwright 69)
Subs not used:
Maddison, Hughes

Scunthorpe United :
Musselwhite, Stanton, Crosby, Butler, Ridley, Sparrow, Baraclough, Kell, Taylor (Brighton 70), Hayes, Keogh
Subs not used:
Evans, Parton, Byrne, Barwick

SULSESC REPORT

by Bob Dook at The Reynolds Arena

WHAT a great football stadium – the Reynolds, New, Whoever Motors Arena.

My first visit was a pleasant one, very civilised. Which for Darlington is undoubtedly novel. While possessing many qualities, this new ground's finest is that it is located outside of town. Having such a wondrous location means a fast getaway to the A1. But then that's why there is a mainline rail station in Darlington, to allow folk to get away quickly.

My experiences of visiting Feethams over the years bring back many bad memories, including being hounded by various deadheads, having my hubcaps nicked and most memorably, being attacked by opposing fans who were hurling lumps of concrete appropriately ripped from a decaying Feethams terrace. The Neanderthals were never superceded by the Cro–Mags, they just moved to Darlington.

Big shots United were in town proudly at the right end of the table looking to continue the unbeaten run. A good following of away support with a poor turn–out from the locals failed to give any value to the number of seats available in "George's Ego", an eminently sensible name for the Neanderthal's new football home.

With Chris Pettitt and myself seemingly the only SULSESC members in sight in the vast surroundings, the Iron proceeded to make heavy weather of what was a beautiful day.

Darlo's tribal elder, Mr. Hodgson, had obviously done his homework, with three centre backs in place and full backs attending to our two wide men. Our attacking threat was thus nullified and as time wore on, it became obvious that the last 10 minutes would be the most nervous.

Indeed that's what transpired, as Darlo grew in confidence throughout the game. We did little of note except for Mussy's first–half save from a free–kick which kept our clean sheet.

We stuttered up front and both Hayes and Keogh were hustled out it. I would have liked to have had Torpey on the bench to bring on and add some muscle to break it up, create second ball and possibly a winner. We didn't manage one real shot on target that I saw. We were confident enough coming forward, but the passes lacked a bit of zip and were not up to usual standard.

The defence was rock solid, Crosby excellent and Butler my MOM. There looked to be only one winner towards the end, but Darlo were so inept in front of goal even they couldn't manage a winning strike. However, a 0–0 scoreline will do, clean sheet, point away from home, no injuries (although Ridders was clattered second–half).

We'd have lost a game like this last season, but this time we hung on, grafted, had a bit of luck and got a point. A quick escape at the end made for a half decent day.