Miserable run continues
Darlington continue to limp towards the play-offs in the worst form imaginable after a disastrous second half showing saw them somehow lose at home to Dagenham despite being 2-0 up at one stage.
Their opponents had not won in nine games and badly needed a victory to help them in the fight against relegation - and it duly arrived thanks to a woeful last half an hour from Quakers.
Dave Penney's side had been coasting at 2-0 thanks to goals from Ricky Ravenhill before the break and a Shaun Reay goal just after half-time.
But seconds after Neil Wainwright declined the opportunity to shoot when well-positioned, Dagenham pulled a goal back through Sam Sloma and within two minutes had equalised thanks to a penalty.
Dave Rainford scored from the spot on 65 minutes after Sam Saunders had been fouled by Ben Parker who was sent off an is now suspended for at least one game, though Penney later admitted that Leeds are considering recalling him to bolster their own play-off bid.
With Darlington's play-off place assured, Dagenham's need was greater than Quakers' but the hosts crumbled, seemingly allowing the visitors to walk through a weak home defence.
An inevitable third goal came in the 74th minute when Paul Benson's shot from a narrow angle rolled past David Stockdale after taking a deflection off Clark Keltie.
To make matters worse on what turned out to be a miserable day for Darlington, of which there have been many during a run of only one win in 11 games, striker Pawel Abbott limped off with a recurrence of his hamstring strain.
After five weeks out he had been handed a start and it was intended to give him no more than an hour, but he limped off after only 15 minutes.
Ravenhill scored his third of the season shortly afterwards with a header from a Wainwright cross to gave Quakers the lead in what was a scrappy and lacklusture first half.
Five minutes into the second period Reay, Abbott's replacement, played a one-two with Tommy Wright before dinking the ball over Dagenham keeper Tony Roberts, though it may have taken a deflection off defender Mark Arber.
At 2-0 Quakers were in the comfort zone with the home fans creating the kind of atmosphere Penney has been asking for recently.
After such a poor run of late, perhaps some of the belief had been restored. Penney even felt able to give striker Wright a rest by replacing him with midfielder Micky Cummins.
But the move soon backfired as it left Darlington with little threat in the final third, while slack defending contributed to Dagenham's first two goals. Once Parker was dismissed Quakers lost their shape entirely.
Roberts produced a flying save to deny Steve Foster who headed at goal from a Clark Keltie free-kick in the dying seconds, but Dagenham deserved their win which means they are now safe from relegation.
Minutes after the final whistle confirmation of Mansfield's defeat at home to Rotherham followed and sparked joyous scenes among the small band of visiting fans and players who remained on the pitch awaiting news from Field Mill.
Having shown great character to recover from a two-goal deficit, the Daggers were sportingly applauded off the field by the Darlington supporters who had stayed behind to watch an unusual penalty shoot-out.
With preparation for the play-offs in mind, ten outfield Darlington players, plus goalkeepers Stockdale and Przemyslaw Kazimierczak, staged a mock shoot-out with Penney hoping to create a match situation.
But following what had been such a disappointing result, many of the disillusioned home fans had gone home immediately after the final whistle to contemplate how Darlington are going to turn their fortunes around in the play-offs.
Darlington (4-4-2): Stockdale; Wiseman, White, Foster, Parker; Wainwright, Keltie, Ravenhill, Nelthorpe (Miller 71); Wright (Cummins 55), Abbott (Reay 19). Subs (not used): Kazimierczak, Kennedy
*Fulham-bound goalkeeper David Stockdale was named Darlington's Player of the Year before Saturday's game while Lewis Hardman collected the Young Player of the Year accolade.
Captain Steve Foster won the Away Player of the Year honour, while he will also be in the PFA Team of the Year which is revealed in full on Sunday evening.
7:51pm Saturday 26th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: Caver, Darlo on 8:53pm Sat 26 Apr 08
Another fine result, NOT, come on lads I knew you wouldn't let me down.
I'm sure you can manage a few more losses to end another ground hogg day season.
Big talk off the pitch, bugger all action on it.
[bold]Shame on you all[/bold]
Another fine result, NOT, come on lads I knew you wouldn't let me down.
I'm sure you can manage a few more losses to end another ground hogg day season.
Big talk off the pitch, bugger all action on it.
Shame on you all Posted by: Geoff Gale on 9:47am Sun 27 Apr 08
POOR,GUTLESS,HEARTLE
SS...... What is Dave Penny trying to do. Is there a bit of kidology going on and a secret underline tact of not been able to afford promotion (ring any bells). After watching that heartless, gutless performance by so called profesional players, im totaly bewildered.We have no chance in the play off finals playing like this. Penny was supposed to be the saviour and get us promotion. All i can see is a team of ex Doncaster players trying to create the good times he had there. The lack of motivation to win has to be a key factor and down to the manager to lift the players or rollock them when needed. Lack of any is the reason why we are questioning the managment side of things.People would say its an end of season game means nothing... Sorry i paid good money to be entertained with my kids and on that performance i could claim my money back for false goods. Penny wonders why there is a negativity around the place well here is the reason why.... Iam a die hard fan of over 35yrs and we are sick of the false promises the ups and downs,claims and the raping and piliging of our club.We have heard it all before Mr Penny. We should have walked this league this season with the budget we had and the only reason we didnt must be down to management. Injuries are a small part of it i blame the inconsistency in feilding the right players too many loan players and tactical awareness. Abbott has been a big miss but too many players are underperforming and do not have the ability to win a game. When we had a winning team it was changed because the ground didnt suit that player... **** a profesional player in the right frame of mind whould die to play,any pitch anywhere.That is why MkDons lifted the title and not us ...........
POOR,GUTLESS,HEARTLE
SS...... What is Dave Penny trying to do. Is there a bit of kidology going on and a secret underline tact of not been able to afford promotion (ring any bells). After watching that heartless, gutless performance by so called profesional players, im totaly bewildered.We have no chance in the play off finals playing like this. Penny was supposed to be the saviour and get us promotion. All i can see is a team of ex Doncaster players trying to create the good times he had there. The lack of motivation to win has to be a key factor and down to the manager to lift the players or rollock them when needed. Lack of any is the reason why we are questioning the managment side of things.People would say its an end of season game means nothing... Sorry i paid good money to be entertained with my kids and on that performance i could claim my money back for false goods. Penny wonders why there is a negativity around the place well here is the reason why.... Iam a die hard fan of over 35yrs and we are sick of the false promises the ups and downs,claims and the raping and piliging of our club.We have heard it all before Mr Penny. We should have walked this league this season with the budget we had and the only reason we didnt must be down to management. Injuries are a small part of it i blame the inconsistency in feilding the right players too many loan players and tactical awareness. Abbott has been a big miss but too many players are underperforming and do not have the ability to win a game. When we had a winning team it was changed because the ground didnt suit that player... **** a profesional player in the right frame of mind whould die to play,any pitch anywhere.That is why MkDons lifted the title and not us ...........
Posted by: jack hacket, darlington on 4:07pm Sun 27 Apr 08
is dave penny clever or wat i think hes giving the other teams a false sence of security . because i carnt belive we are that crap 4 the past 8 weeks . must b a ploy then in play offs we will play unbelivable football. abbott is not realy injured . jockys fit and we r pretending to play rubbish .ull c we will walk it .. then i woke up and and found my hospital appoitment 4 the crazy clinic
is dave penny clever or wat i think hes giving the other teams a false sence of security . because i carnt belive we are that crap 4 the past 8 weeks . must b a ploy then in play offs we will play unbelivable football. abbott is not realy injured . jockys fit and we r pretending to play rubbish .ull c we will walk it .. then i woke up and and found my hospital appoitment 4 the crazy clinic
Posted by: phil, Darlington on 4:19pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Another miserable result created by another dire performance.No heart, no skill and no passion. Only one team wanted to win and they got their just reward. As usual, Penney spent most of the time 'hiding' in his dug-out and when he does emerge he stands there showing all the passion and enthusiasm of a statue. With motivation like that it is not surprising that the team can't be bothered to turn up and perform. Success in the play-offs is a fantasy on the basis of all reliable evidence.
Another miserable result created by another dire performance.No heart, no skill and no passion. Only one team wanted to win and they got their just reward. As usual, Penney spent most of the time 'hiding' in his dug-out and when he does emerge he stands there showing all the passion and enthusiasm of a statue. With motivation like that it is not surprising that the team can't be bothered to turn up and perform. Success in the play-offs is a fantasy on the basis of all reliable evidence.
Posted by: andi, Newton Aycliffe on 4:21pm Sun 27 Apr 08
beaten by the better side a dagenham side playing for everything to stay up against a darlo team with nothing to play for other than a home or away leg first ! next week another pointless game i fear, but would like to see reay get a full game if our striking options are that limited for the semi's he needs match practice, of the starting 11 yesterday i would have not picked maybe 4/5 so i think penny is just exploring his options strongest team of fit players at the moment
Stockdale
Parker
Foster
White
Miller (not natural RB but better than wiseman)
Nelthorpe
Purdie
Cummins
Wainwright
Wright
Reay(if no other strikers come through)
this team with confidence will beat most teams in this division on the back of so many defeats who knows ?
come on darlo !
beaten by the better side a dagenham side playing for everything to stay up against a darlo team with nothing to play for other than a home or away leg first ! next week another pointless game i fear, but would like to see reay get a full game if our striking options are that limited for the semi's he needs match practice, of the starting 11 yesterday i would have not picked maybe 4/5 so i think penny is just exploring his options strongest team of fit players at the moment
Stockdale
Parker
Foster
White
Miller (not natural RB but better than wiseman)
Nelthorpe
Purdie
Cummins
Wainwright
Wright
Reay(if no other strikers come through)
this team with confidence will beat most teams in this division on the back of so many defeats who knows ?
come on darlo !
Posted by: Wayne, Newton Aycliffe on 5:57pm Sun 27 Apr 08
And Dave Penney wonders why there is so much negativity around the town, well here's why:
1) I bet the times he went into the play-offs as a player and a manager, they weren't on the back of a shocking run of form like this.
2) The times they have been in with a chance of promotion (96&00) they have blown it from being in a good position of getting automatic -is there any wonder there's cynicism/negative feeling?
3) Now the clean sheets have dried up, the team is getting shown up for what it really is - not good enough as they weren't scoring enough as it was! There's been too many times this season when Darlo can count themselves lucky to have won matches and have been far from impressive.
I would have to question the management, and their ability to motivate the players and pick themselves up after a disappointing result - they obviously can't!
There's no use blaming injuries as they are part of football and nothing more than an excuse - at times like this, Penney should be earning his money! To go on a run like this at this stage of the season is so disappointing but sadly not surprising! Some of the players should also start taking responsibility for their performances and start to show a bit of heart and desire instead of folding in the face of a bit of pressure!
Play-offs: Not a chance!
And Dave Penney wonders why there is so much negativity around the town, well here's why:
1) I bet the times he went into the play-offs as a player and a manager, they weren't on the back of a shocking run of form like this.
2) The times they have been in with a chance of promotion (96&00) they have blown it from being in a good position of getting automatic -is there any wonder there's cynicism/negative feeling?
3) Now the clean sheets have dried up, the team is getting shown up for what it really is - not good enough as they weren't scoring enough as it was! There's been too many times this season when Darlo can count themselves lucky to have won matches and have been far from impressive.
I would have to question the management, and their ability to motivate the players and pick themselves up after a disappointing result - they obviously can't!
There's no use blaming injuries as they are part of football and nothing more than an excuse - at times like this, Penney should be earning his money! To go on a run like this at this stage of the season is so disappointing but sadly not surprising! Some of the players should also start taking responsibility for their performances and start to show a bit of heart and desire instead of folding in the face of a bit of pressure!
Play-offs: Not a chance!
Posted by: John Roberts, Halifax on 9:48pm Sun 27 Apr 08
Anyone would think we will be starting the first leg 5-0 down they way some people are talking. Stockport and Rochdale are both good teams. But Darlo are well capable of beating either of them. Especially if we can get a bit of belief back. Darlo fans its time to stop sulking, get things into perspective and start supporting the lads. We are in the play offs and I for one cannot wait.
Anyone would think we will be starting the first leg 5-0 down they way some people are talking. Stockport and Rochdale are both good teams. But Darlo are well capable of beating either of them. Especially if we can get a bit of belief back. Darlo fans its time to stop sulking, get things into perspective and start supporting the lads. We are in the play offs and I for one cannot wait.
Posted by: Darren, Darlington on 7:20am Mon 28 Apr 08
Same old darlo, when will it be time for all this heartache to be broken??? If we had won saturday maybes there would've been a bit more belief going into the playoffs. I can't see us getting anything but a good beating from peterborough next week. As much as i want it i just can't see the team doing any good in the playoffs with this run of form, the lads confidence must be none exsistant
Same old darlo, when will it be time for all this heartache to be broken??? If we had won saturday maybes there would've been a bit more belief going into the playoffs. I can't see us getting anything but a good beating from peterborough next week. As much as i want it i just can't see the team doing any good in the playoffs with this run of form, the lads confidence must be none exsistant
Posted by: Bob, North of England on 12:20am Tue 29 Apr 08
Hello Darlington fans. I`m a scout from a club in the play offs. I`m not saying which one, but I went to see Darlington in action. I had the bonus of seeing your team practising a penalty shoot out. That could be very useful for us as we`ll know who might be taking the penalties, which direction and height the taker will go, and the stance of the keeper. However, I can`t see your team making it to a penalty shoot out as we`ll beat you easily in normal time, or maybe extra time. Better luck next season lads and lasses.
Hello Darlington fans. I`m a scout from a club in the play offs. I`m not saying which one, but I went to see Darlington in action. I had the bonus of seeing your team practising a penalty shoot out. That could be very useful for us as we`ll know who might be taking the penalties, which direction and height the taker will go, and the stance of the keeper. However, I can`t see your team making it to a penalty shoot out as we`ll beat you easily in normal time, or maybe extra time. Better luck next season lads and lasses.
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