Saturday, November 10, 2007

Darlington 1-1 Northampton Town


Colin Larkin’s equaliser ensured that the Cobblers go into the draw for the F.A. Cup Second Round tomorrow afternoon but will have to get there via a replay after League Two Darlington hold us to a 1-1 draw.

The Cobblers began with a five-man defence with Danny Jackman called back to the starting line-up after coming off the bench on Tuesday night. Joe Burnell, Ryan Gilligan and Andy Holt started in midfield but the main surprise came up front with Colin Larkin partnering Poul Hubertz and top scorer Andy Kirk dropping to the bench. Brad Johnson was also rested and started on the bench alongside Kirk.

After an even start to the game, Darlington were in front. In the eighth minute, Gregg Blundell struck from twelve yards out past Mark Bunn. Chris Doig was injured in the build up to the goal and a suspected hamstring injury meant that Stuart Gray had to shuffle the pack, bringing on Brad Johnson in Doig’s place.

Johnson was in the action soon after coming onto the pitch, heading a Danny Jackman corner wide of the post. Darlington hit the post on twenty minutes as Micky Cummings shot from the edge of the area but although the ball beat Bunn, it scraped the outside of the upright.

Colin Larkin equalised for the Cobblers on twenty-five minutes as the Cobblers hit back. Larkin was set up from a free kick and curled a shot past David Stockdale. Liam Dolman went off the pitch for treatment before half time but returned during the five minutes of added on time. The half ended 1-1 though and all to play for the second 45.

The first chance of the second half fell to Brad Johnson but his header sailed safely over the crossbar. Andy Holt then latched onto the end of a long throw but flicked a shit just wide.

On the hour, some good Darlington build up saw Julian Joachim cross in but Warren Cummings headed over when Gregg Blundell was in a better position behind him. Andy Kirk came off the bench just after the hour mark, replacing Poul Hubertz.

With about ten minutes to go, Micky Cummings headed wide of Mark Bunn’s left hand post but he was back peddling and couldn’t get a good enough connection to the ball to test the Cobblers keeper.

Late on, Darlington went with three up front as Pawel Abbott came off the bench, replacing Jon Brackstone. Liam Dolman had a half chance for the Cobblers but his shot curled onto the roof of the net.

Jason Crowe came forward to try and grab a late winner but his long-range effort sailed harmlessly wide. Pawel Abbott shot over the bar following a corner but the game ended 1-1 and we’re at least in the hat for round two tomorrow afternoon.

The replay will take place at Sixfields on Tuesday, November 20th.

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