Long awaited win for Darlington

Posted on 14th January 2007

Darlington assistant manager Martin Gray admitted the 3–1 over Peterborough United had been a long time in coming. Quakers had lost eight times prior to the result today and would have equalled a club record nine defeats in a row if they suffered another negative result.

In the end the hosts won with an improved second half performance. Julian Joachim scoring twice after David Wheater's headed equaliser in the first period. Gray felt the character of the players shone through after going a goal behind.

"We've been waiting for this for a long time," said Gray. "It has gone on too long this bad run we've had. It is a great feeling to get back to winning ways especially after going 1–0 down in the first twenty minutes. We were fearing the worst then but I thought the character of the players was excellent. They were playing a Peterborough side with a lot of experience and that have spent a lot of money this season and I thought the way they bounced back was great."

Darlington's equaliser came from loan signing Wheater. Clark Keltie's free kick from the flank was brilliantly dispatched by the young defender. The hosts reached the half time interval level and the management team pointed out a few areas to improve on. Gray felt the most important thing however was that Quakers held the ball far better during the second half.

"We got the goal at a crucial time in the game. It was a great ball in from Clark Keltie. We just pointed one or two things out at half time and I thought the response from the players was a big improvement," said Gray. "I think the problem was during the first half we were too deep. The front men were dropping into the hole and being allowed to turn and causing a problem. Hyde in midfield was getting the ball too much because our midfield were protecting our back four because they were so deep. I thought what we did really well in the second half was keep the ball better."

Joachim's two goals in the second period gave him four again Peterborough having scored twice at London Road earlier in the season. Gray felt his quality shone through but also heaped the praise on winger Neil Wainwright.

"That's Joachim," said Gray. "I think we've seen for years that is the quality he has got. He is direct and him plus Alun Armstrong linked up very well, especially in the second half. They played off each other but the ball from Wainwright for his second was great. I don't think you'll see better service into the box. It was inch perfect. I think the second half showed what Joachim is all about – his pace over the top and his finish was excellent."

Earlier Darlington news

Darlington forward heads to Stags
Quakers sign keeper ahead of clash with Rovers
Darlington complete double swoop
Quakers concede defeat in Blundell bid
Rowson returns to Quakers
Darlington manager to make changes
Quakers' match at Bury called off
Quakers midfielder to go out on loan
Darlington boss wants a better start
Not what Quakers boss wanted
No worries for Darlington midfielder
Darlington defender could return
Armstrong hoping for few changes
Defensive woes for Quakers
Quakers' forwards challenged by boss