Darlington 0-0 Droylsden

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Posted at 10:33 PM GMT, Sunday, 9th November 2008

Darlington and Droylsden will go again after Quakers were held to a goalless draw against the Conference North outfit. Dave Penney's side encountered a stubborn opponent which they failed to break down. The result however could have been very different if Darlington had taken one of their missed chances in the early stages of the game. Quakers though failed to stamp their authority on proceedings and will now need a replay to see if they can progress.

The opening ten minutes of the match were dominated by Darlington. Just seconds into the game Adam Griffin crossed for Billy Clarke to volley goalwards. Craig Mawson in the Droylsden goal was equal to it and saved at the foot of the post. Quakers started with pace and Mawson picked up an injury when trying to block another Clarke effort.

The Bloods goalkeeper tried to continue but clearly was struggling. Mawson was unable to take any goalkicks and eventually was removed from the action after twenty minutes. By this point visitors Droylsden had survived the early attacks from Darlington and started to look comfortable. Quakers struggled to carve out chances as the first half progressed leading to little goal-mouth action. Darlington had clearly gone all out in the opening stages of the game but lacked ideas when their early probing failed to produce an advantage.

Minutes before half time Gregg Blundell sent a shot tamely wide as Darlington headed for the break with parity still intact. Missing the injured Franz Burgmeier and influential forward Liam Hatch Darlington looked a shadow of the side which had looked so good during October. The second half started with another burst from the home team but it produced the same result as the first half.

Darlington should have scored on forty-seven minutes when Clarke turned well and raced through the middle before teeing up Griffin. The winger though pulled his shot wide from twelve yards out. A minute later Clarke was replaced by Richie Foran. Despite the appearance of the Southend United loan player the frustrating afternoon continued.

By now Droylsden had grown in stature and were starting to show some attacking threat. A last gasp intervention denied Kevin Townson a chance. Foran then missed a glorious chance to put Darlington ahead as he blazed high and wide when unmarked. Another chance on sixty-three minutes came the way of the forward. This time he missed out on a goal thanks to a superb stop. Foran connected with Griffin's cross via a diving header however Kyle Clancy produced a great save.

The frustrations continued until full time as Darlington were unable to find a way through. More worryingly however Quakers, bar small spells of pressure, looked totally unconvincing. League placing alone tells you Darlington should have enough to come through the replay but following this encounter Penney's side face a stern test when they travel to Droylsden.

Darlington: Brown, Austin, Miller, Foster, Valentine, Purdie, Hulbert (Ravenhill 66), Kennedy, Griffin (Gray 85), Clarke (Foran 48), Blundell. Subs Not Used: White, Kazimierczak, Poole, Ryan.

Droylsden: Mawson (Clancy 19), Brownhill, Byron, Cryan, Newton, McGuire, Pickford (Brown 67), Sorvel, Lamb, Tipton, Townson (Prince 75). Subs Not Used: Rouse, Dugdale, Roche, Burbeary.

Darlington bookings: None.

Droylsden bookings: Townson, Newton.

Goals: None.

Att: 2,479