Russell returns for Quakers

Posted on 24th January 2007

Darlington’s reserve side recorded their first victory of 2007 with a 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers yesterday. Quakers handed starts to three trailists including Phil Lumsden, Carl Mottram and Michael Mackay. Keeper Sam Russell returned to action after sitting out over six weeks with a broken leg.

It was prolific Consett striker MacKay who opened the scoring after nine minutes. The Doncaster Rovers backline got into a tangle and it left MacKay with the easy task of slotting nearly into the back of the net.

Quakers could have doubled their advantage ten minutes later when a poor headed back pass by Rob Pacey let MacKay in on goal but Jan Budtz in the Rovers goal stuck out his legs to prevent a second. The home side had chances and it needed a returning Russell to put the ball out for a corner kick. It was from this flag kick that Pacey stabbed home to level the scorers.

The hosts dominated early on after the break but were unable to make a breakthrough. On the hour mark good interplay between Jon-Paul Pittman and Lewis Guy put Guy clear on goal but Russell stood up and blocked the shot when it came. It was Darlington however who scored the winner.

Seven minutes from time Kalu Ngoma worked himself into a position in front of goal and fired low into the bottom corner of the Rovers net from twenty-five yards to put the visitors in front. Quakers could have added to their advantage through substitute Joshn Wright but in the end didn’t need anything more to secure the win.

Earlier Darlington news

Professional job declares Quakers’ boss
Logan could still have Quakers future
Pair sign permanent deals with Quakers
Darlington boss not happy with referee
Quakers look to build on recent win
Long awaited win for Darlington
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