Source: Northern_Echo
A win at last for Darlington
AT long last the wait is over! Darlington finally secured their first win of the season at the 13th attempt with a 2-1 triumph over Shrewsbury Town.
The winning goal came in the second half from debutant striker Simon Thomas who only joined yesterday on loan from Crystal Palace, but he wasted no time in marking his mark.
Although he could hardly miss from a yard out after Shrews keeper Steve Phillips had parried the ball into Thomas path, he will long remember the goal that brought Quakers miserable run to an end.
Until today Darlington had drawn twice and lost ten of their first 12 league games.
But Steve Stauntons first game at The Northern Echo Arena saw Quakers finally savour victory and they deservedly so too as Darlington were much the better team.
They thoroughly deserved the win after putting in easily their best performance of the season, a display that was even better than some of last seasons under Dave Penney.
Before the game Staunton had spoken of his desire to keep a clean sheet but any such hopes disappeared with less than two minutes gone.
The Shrews took the lead after only 100 seconds with Lewis Neal heading home.
The winger beat Quakers keeper Russell Hoult to the ball to deftly direct Jake Robinsons right-wing cross into the net.
The goal did not lead to a glut of chances with neither side coming close to finding the net for another 20 minutes and Darlington were thankful that Neal poked wide when one-on-one with Hoult.
But seconds later came the first sign that Quakers were willing to fight when midfielder Gary Smith let fly with a 25-yard effort that struck the post.
And on 26 minutes came the equaliser from Jamie Devitt. His 20-yard free kick hit the post and struck Phillips before crossing the line, perhaps the bit of luck that Darlington have been due for a long time.
Every outfield player in the team congratulated Devitt on his goal that lifted the tam and the crowd who were more than satisfied with the first half performance.
At the beak they would have been ahead had Steve Foster been able to get a clear head on the ball following a short corner routine with Jeff Smith and Devitt.
Darlington made no substitutions at half-time as Stauntons side sought to maintain their first half performance levels, though right-back Paul Arnison twice almost handed the Shrews a second goal.
Two passes back to keeper Hoult were almost intercepted, but Hoult managed to clear the ball and on 57 minutes came Thomas goal.
From a low Devitt corner, Ian Miller fired at goal, Phillips pushed the ball into Thomas path and he made no mistake from a central position.
It was the first goal Thomas has scored in professional football since Palace plucked him out of non-league in 2008. For Darlington it meant they held the lead for the first time this season.
It was a lead they never looked like relinquishing, and they could even have extended their advantage had referee Andy Haines awarded a penalty for a push on striker Kevin Gall.
When Gall was subbed in the closing stages, with Curtis Main sent on, the ex-Carlisle player was given a rapturous reception from the home fans who were delighted with his work-rate.
It was the last game of Galls short-term contract and Staunton must now decide whether he is worth another deal.
Certainly worth an extended stay is Devitt, the livewire winger on loan from Hull. He was again impressive but his loan has now expired and it would be a huge shame if Hull did not want him to stay at the Arena.
During the closing stages he delighted home supporters by nutmegging Shrews right-back Dean Holden, and the fans had even more to cheer at the final whistle.
Following four nervous minutes of injury time, Haines full-time whistle signalled a huge roar from the relieved supporters who gave their team a fully-deserved standing ovation.
Darlingtons performance had been excellent, well worth the three points, and gave hope that Quakers might stand a chance of avoiding relegation.
Goals: 0-1 (2, Neal); 1-1 (26, Devitt), 2-1 (57, Thomas)
Bookings: Chandler (14, foul); Shane Cansdell-Sheriff (39, foul), Neal (68, foul), Labadie (81, foul); Devitt (90, dissent)
Referee: Andy Haines(Sunderland)
Attendance: 1,958
Darlington (4-4-2): Hoult; Arnison, Foster, Miller, Barnett, Devitt, G Smith (Barnes 90), Chandler, J Smith, Thomas, Gall (Main 76). Subs (not used): Knight (gk), Plummer, Barnes, Bennett, Groves, Convery
Shrewsbury Town (4-4-2): Phillips; Holden, Langmead, Hooman, Cansdell-Sherriff, Neal, Labadie, Murray (Leslie 70), McIntyre; Bright (Gray 58), Robinson (Elder 36). Subs (not used): Simpson, Arestidou (gk), Richards, Taylor
