The backdrop of the build-up to this Blue Square Bet Premier fixture was Darlington’s fight for survival and concerns over available playing staff.
The game went ahead – albeit 15 minutes late due to congestion admitting the 5,638 crowd – and with onloan Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford being the only youth player present.
Town travelled to the north-east without 20-goal marksman Jamie Vardy who picked up a hamstring strain againat Motherwell on Tuesday. January signing Lee Fowler made the starting line-up following 90 minutes at Fir Park.
Town continued their push for promotion with a strong 1-0 away victory thanks to a 42nd minute goal from another new signing Danny Rose after Andy Mangan’s initial shot hit the post.
It was 7 minutes before the first real chance of the game, which fell to the midfielder Peter Cavanagh who’s left footed, curling effort sailed over the bar after finding himself with space on the edge of the box.
4 minutes later, Darlington’s Ryan Bowman came close after a whipped Aaron Brown free kick to the back post almost met the head of the incoming Bowman who was unmarked.
It looked like it was going to be a game of few chances before the impressive Rose crossed for the returning Richard Brodie who could only head wide of the right hand post after out-jumping his man.
Fleetwood’s pressure grew as they started to dictate the game with their preferred passing style and it was the turn of 12-goal striker, Andy Mangan, who attempted to catch Darlington’s Pickford out with a fierce 30-yard strike that flew over the bar.
The game started to open up and Town created more chances and having longer spells of possession tiring the Quakers. It was another chance created by former Newport County midefielder Rose, his left footed corner found the tall center half, Nathan Pond whose a header dipped over the beaten Pickford but also over the crossbar.
The Cod Army breakthrough came on the 42nd minute when Graeme Lee flicked the ball into the feet of Mangan, who’s shot unfortunately hit the post, but fortunately Rose had the awareness to react and slotted in the rebound for the lead.
It was a slow start to the second half where Fleetwood were looking to break down Darlington again. The patient build up ended with Mangan shooting but could not test Pickford. Town were playing well just struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.
Rose’s corners caused problems all afternoon for the home side and it took 2 clearances off the line from resulting inswingers after Pond was found twice at the back post but couldn’t increase the lead.
New signing, Lee Fowler then tried to lay his claim on the game. The midfielders darting run beati several players and resulted in a dipping drive but into the goalkeeper’s arms.
Darlington were struggling for idea’s when going forward and didn’t show much attacking threat until they had 2 snap-chances in the space of 4 minutes first with Rundles sliced volley trickling wide after Bowman found space on the right to deliver a good ball in. The second chance fell to Gray who couldn’t make a clean contact with the ball and dragged his shot wide of Scott Davies right hand post.
Mangan took the responsibility of taking a free kick in a good position 35 yards out for Town but blasted the ball over the crossbar and into the stand.
The second half was proving to be more exciting than the first but then the game went extremely quiet for 20 minutes as the Quakers tired and Town pushed in search of their second to relieve the pressure . Left-back Alan Goodall was forced into a crucial double block in the closing minutes inside his own box. The final chance of the game went to Darlington’s Adam Rundle The left footed shot proved no match for Town’s number one, Scott Davies.
It was a huge day for Darlington Football Club and its supporters with much happening on the perhipery of the game itself. Fleetwood Town managed to overcome the occasion in the end continuing with the splendid form of 12 wins on the road this term.
Highbury sees Blue Square Bet Premier action this Tuesday when Braintree Town visit.
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