Morecambe 2 Darlington 0

Feb 15 2010 The Journal

DARLINGTON’S statistics on their travels are getting no better, but the performances are improving, which gives manager Steve Staunton a ray of hope.

The Quakers have avoided defeat in just two away games – a win and a draw, and the draw came before Staunton took over in October.

However, pre-Christmas the side was simply not good enough, and the defeats could hardly have been prevented. This latest one could.

“The first goal could have been avoided,” confirmed the manager. “They broke well, but we didn’t match the run. Then over the rest of the game we had the better chances, but didn’t take them.

“Then we conceded a second goal which from our point of view was very sloppy. The Morecambe keeper pulled off some great saves, and the one from Alan White was superb. At least we are working goalkeepers more than we were a few weeks ago.

“If we go on creating chances, and cut out the errors, then we have a chance of winning games. We have to maintain our desire.”

After seeing their side pick up four points from their previous two games, both at home, more Darlington fans than usual made the short trip to Morecambe.

They set off back home feeling frustrated and disappointed, but those hardy souls who travelled earlier in the season can tell the newcomers that it used to be worse – much worse.

Nathan Mulligan and Tadhg Purcell both brought good saves out of Morecambe keeper Barry Roche, before the home side broke swiftly on 11 minutes for Phil Jevons, to direct the ball inside the post. Back came Darlington and from Jeff Smith’s cross, White’s header seemed destined for the corner of the net until Roche reacted smartly to turn the ball for a corner.