Recap: Darlington 0-1 Harriers

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HARRIERS netted a 1-0 win at Darlington thanks to a dramatic late winner from Marcus Dinanga. 

The boys had produced a performance that deserved more than a point and, while Darlington were never far away throughout the afternoon, it was the visitors who had the game’s best chances.

Just when it looked like an industrious afternoon would end goalless, Dinanga stepped off the bench with a deft header to send the visiting fans wild – deep into injury time.

The fact that Dinanga netted having been supplied by Austin, following great work from fellow subs White and Freemantle, shows exactly how valuable each member of the Aggborough squad is as the boys try to negotiate a challenging run of fixtures.

This one against the Quakers was always going to be tough, with the home side coming fresh off a ‘free’ week and a resounding 6-0 win at Farsley Celtic in their previous match.

As it was, it was a well-organised Harriers who always looked the more likely to score in the first half; Darlo goalkeeper Tommy Taylor making good saves from Ashley Hemmings and Sam Austin before the break.

Arguably the afternoon’s biggest talking point besides the goal came shortly after the restart. Austin had been played through and looked certain to get a shot off – something he did despite a clear foul from his man outside the area.  Taylor got his gloves to it but couldn’t stop the ball hitting the net – but with the ball on its way over the line, the match referee blew presumably for advantage before then appearing to signal the goal would stand – the net result was a free-kick for a furious Harriers side, which Taylor held.

It did at least appear to serve as motivation of sorts for Harriers who, with the added impetus of Freemantle and White off the bench, became more deliberate with their attacking and leaving the home side on the back foot.

Just as it looked like it would be one-way traffic, Darlington’s only serious chance of the afternoon came the way of Lambert. He was well placed after a ball was nodded down to him in the area, but a first-time effort blazed off target on the angle.

With one last throw of the dice and with seconds of normal time remaining, Penn looked to Dinanga to find a way through on the ground at which he once netted a one-half hat-trick against the Quakers off the bench. This time, his efforts were more considered and condensed, but arguably more valuable. Freemantle headed to White, whose ideal pass released Austin. His cross was a delight; right into the six-yard box where Dinanga was on hand to divert it past a helpless Taylor and spark superb celebrations from Harriers on and off the pitch.

Get full team line ups and key match facts at The Match Centre.

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