In a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions, Darlington fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Gloucester City to keep their unbeaten run going.
Quakers looked to be heading for defeat against third-bottom Gloucester, before overcoming their own below-par display to score two second-half goals.
After a drab first half featuring few chances at either end, the visitors took just 60 seconds of the second 45 minutes to break the deadlock.
Darlington contrived to concede a corner within seconds of the restart, and striker Oliver Hulbert’s well-hit volley gave Gloucester a 1-0 lead.
And on 54 minutes it was 2-0 with Hulbert again the scorer. He reacted quickest to head home when a team-mate’s shot had rebounded off the bar, though Quakers argued Jack Lambert was fouled in the build-up.
It was one of a number of moments to cause frustration in Quakers’ ranks, referee Paul Cooper enduring a torrid day that would only get worse.
However, Darlington had hope with just over 20 minutes to go when they were handed a goal by Ben Gerring.
The towering Gloucester defender inadvertently headed into his own net after Lawlor’s cross.
Cooper then failed to award a penalty when Cassidy was pulled back, a moment that incensed Darlington.
In the first half Cooper had staggeringly awarded Gloucester a free-kick when Cassidy appeared to have been elbowed.
Such moments appeared to galvanised Darlington fans and players alike, the referee’s decision-making inspiring a defiant mood and soon they had an equaliser to celebrate.
The quick-footed Lambert weaved his way through the Gloucester penalty area before picking out Alex Purver to side-foot home.
But Cooper was not finished yet and in injury time failed to award a spot-kick when Danny Ellis was pushed to the ground inside the penalty area.
Darlington: Taylor; Griffiths, Lawlor, Cooper, Hedley (Ellis 74); Rose, Purver; Lambert, Rivers (Mondal 61), Dos Santos; Cassidy. Subs not used: Wheatley, Storey, Martin
Gloucester City: Cole; Leadbitter, Gerring, Nugent, Galvin; Dawson, O’Sullivan, Robert (Harrison 75), Mensah; Hulbert, McClure (Noel-Williams 74). Subs not used: Armstrong, Sheaf, Tomlinson
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel