Darlo avoid the Axe after 0-0 stalemate

Dull, lifeless and boring is the only way I can describe this game really. In a match that pitted together two teams fighting for promotion it was little wonder that some fans were anticipating a tough, but entertaining game between two good attacking sides.

Darlo were forced into a couple of late changes before the game, Peter Jameson making his debut for the club came in to replace the injured Mark Bell and Jordan Robinson replaced Pilatos at RB due to personal reasons. Another new signing, Nathan Thomas came in ahead of Jonny Davis who had been dropped to the bench, no doubt due to fatigue after Wednesdays FA trophy tie vs Buxton.

Both teams lined up as follows:

Lancaster: Hale, Wills, Elderton, Clark, Marshall, Mahoney, Winder, Hunter, Wearing, Jackson, Kilifin

Darlington: Jameson, J Robinson, Galbraith, White, Hunter, Edwards, Moore, Scott, Dowson, Thomas, Thompson

The match started as it meant to go on, lots of passing about in midfield, soft attacks that proved little threat and an extremely whistle friendly referee. The first real chance of the game fell to Lancaster in the 30th minute,  but even that gave Jameson in the Darlington net little to do, saving easily from a shot straight at him.

Other than that there was not much else worth mentioning really, both teams just couldn't produce that bright spark needed in the final third.

Into the second half and the match got a little bit more exciting, ever so slightly however. Just the same old passing moves happening from both teams but a few more chances were being created, Curtis Edwards had a shot blocked early on for Darlo and Lancaster had a shot that went just wide of the post.

The only real nervous moments of the game fell to Lancaster, Winder got down the right wing and brought out a good save from Jameson in the 64th minute. And just a minute later Jameson was forced into making another comfortable but good save, this after a cross was put into the back post from the left and found an unmarked player.

The second half proved to be another dull affair just like the 1st however, Darlo did have a chance in stoppage time, or at least they thought they did. Thompson outmuscled the Lancaster fullback and was clean through on goal, only for the linesman to pull it back for a soft free kick to Lancaster. Thankfully not long after that the full time whistle went.

Both teams got what they deserved really, a dull solitary point. Apologies if I've bored you with this but that pretty much sums up the game.

To be honest it's tough to pick a man of the match as well but if I had to give it to some one it would be Peter Jameson for Darlo. Made the only saves of the game in a confident debut performance.

Attendance: 594