Defeated Quakers hit rock bottom

Dec 2 2009 The Journal

Notts County4

Darlington 0

NEW-LOOK Darlington were dismantled in the opening 17 minutes as big-spending County struck three times to leave the Quakers stranded at the foot of the league, writes RAY SIMPSON.

Darlington manager Steve Staunton handed debuts to new signings Paul Harsley and Danny Hall, but there was no place for club captain Steve Foster.

Ashlee Jones was given his first start in goal after the team had conceded nine times in the last two games.

However, there was no respite. Luke Rodgers tapped in the opener on 12 minutes as the defence was carved open.

Then a minute later Lee Hughes headed his 13th of the season from Craig Westcarr’s cross.

Ben Davies was left in yards of space to convert Rogers’ low cross on 17 minutes as Darlington looked set for a hiding.

It could have been worse had Matt Ritchie not over-run the ball when clean through on 32 minutes with team-mates up in support.

Yet Darlington could have been a goal up before County scored.

Jonathan Hogg found striker Mor Diop in space in the penalty area, but from 12 yards he shot straight at goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel.

Diop threatened again on 45 minutes when his low shot brought an excellent one handed save out of Schmeichel.

To their credit, Darlington pushed forward in the second half, and Schmeichel had to show fine reflexes to deny Jeff Smith and Harsley.

However, more defensive woes hit the Quakers when Jones raced out of goal to close Hughes down, and the experienced striker lobbed home from a tight angle on 78 minutes.

NOTTS COUNTY: Schmeichel, Moloney, Lee, Thompson, Clapham, Westcarr (Hamshaw 69), Ravenhill, Ritchie (Fox 86), Davies, Hughes, Rodgers (Hawley 63). Subs (not used): Hoult, Edwards, Jones, Akinbiyi.

Booked: Thompson.

Goals: Rodgers 12, Hughes 14, Davies 17, Hughes 79.

DARLINGTON: Jones, Groves, Miller, Danny Hall, Giddings, Jeff Smith, Hogg, Harsley, Diop (Thorpe 56), Collins, Thomas (Gray 56). Subs (not used): Liversedge, Bower, Gary Smith, Main, Mulligan.

Booked: Thorpe, Danny Hall.

Attendance: 4,606

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).