Darlington 0, Morecambe 4

Nov 25 2009 The Journal

A SECOND-half nightmare ended Darlington’s mini-revival at The Arena as Morecambe created club history.

It was the Shrimps’ fourth successive League win, the first time they have enjoyed such a run since winning promotion from the Conference three years ago.

For relegation-threatened Quakers it was a major blow after they had won their last two home games.

On 56 minutes midfielder Jonathan Hogg, making his first home start, got back to end a Morecambe attack, but gave the ball away cheaply and Phil Jevons stroked it home.

Then seven minutes later full back Corey Barnes was caught out of position and Laurence Wilson strode clear to score with ease.

Darlington went from bad to worse, Steward Drummond tapping in a third on 79 minutes, then substitute Wayne Curtis ran in a fourth after Darlington goalkeeper Nick Liversedge failed to control the ball.

Yet, after a quiet opening, Darlington sprung to life by creating three openings in two minutes.

On 21 minutes Jeff Smith latched on to James Collins’ pass and cut across the penalty area by beating to defenders, but as he shot from just eight yards goalkeeper Barry Roche was out to block.

From a corner a minute later. Hogg saw his shot blocked inadvertently by teammate Collins. Back came Quakers, Smith sending a 20-yard drive inches wide.