Four clean sheets followed by three straight defeats – the most telling by far that of last weeks to Mansfield Town. It seems, of late, that the Magpies know but two scopes – the sublime, and the utter ridiculous.
Having had a hail of criticism rained down from the messageboards of late; Ian Richardson's men chose just the right time to turn on the style – even if they can be accused of picking their moments to do so.
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Richardson also named youngster Kelvin Wilson in the centre of defence, along with experienced journeyman, Mike Whitlow – returning from a knee ligament injury.
The Magpies, after having seen their reserve outfit travel to the Williamson Motors Stadium just three days prior, made the trip north to a face a formidable-looking Darlington side including Craig Hignett, Alun Armstrong, Clyde Wijnhard and former Celtic man and Quakers debutant, Bobby Petta.
It was Notts, however, who enjoyed the best of the early chances.
Paul Bolland, making a surprise appearance on the Magpies’ left flank despite Tony Scully and Chrissy Palmer both at full-fitness, let fly with the game’s opening chance – only for the ball to fly just wide of the post early on.
It was Darlington, however, who were to draw first blood. When, from what had appeared to be fast becoming, signature corner from Petta found Armstrong, who then led the ball to the head of defender David McGurk, who headed home in simple fashion.
This not before Armstrong himself and also Petta had tested ‘keeper Saul Deeney.
On a day, however, when Notts seldom looked like the side they had of late, the Magpies – typified by the typical pursuit of Bolland – were not about to lie down.
Chasing the game until half time, only Glynn Hurst came close to flustering the home side’s lead. For all of Hurst’s efforts, however, he was to be denied by the last gasp tackle of one Matt Clarke – one, of course, close to signing for the Magpies last summer.
Half time: Darlington 1-0 NOTTS COUNTY
Notts came out of the traps absoulutely smouldering at the start of the second, starting just as they ended the first. When Stef Oakes’ ball – unaffected by the swirling winds of a blustery afternoon – found Glynn Hurst at the back post, he could count himself a tad unlucky not to draw the Magpies level after four minutes of the second half played.
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The Welsh under-21 international, however, was unlikely to give up the chase and, just eight minutes later, he succeeded where he had previously failed, breaking the Magpies cease-fire.
Latching onto an excellent Shane McFaul pass, Pipe struck the ball, first, at the body of Darlington shot-stopper before, after following up his effort, smashing home to level the scores.
By this point, the Magpies were in full flight. Darlington, however, were falling by the way side. Big boys Craig Hignett and Bobby Petta both being replaced six minutes beyond the hour.
Within ten minutes, another of Notts’ more natural right sided players who was to, for his first ever league goal, push the Magpies out in front.
Just eight minutes after netting their equaliser, Notts stormed out in front thanks to highly-rated youngster, Kelvin Wilson. The Strelley-born teenager came from nowhere to clatter the ball home from close range, ensuring a Magpies victory.
Matty Williams replaced ‘scorer Pipe with eighteen minutes remaining before, after suffering intense pressure for the remainder of the match, the Magpies were successful in weathering the storm – keeping the hosts pinned back at 2-1.
Full Time: Darlington 1-2 NOTTS COUNTY
A great response from the Magpies who went behind, and especially considering recent results, to an early goal to snatch victory from the claws of defeat against a Darlington side chasing the play-offs with some intention.
More action and reaction to come from NCM…
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