DARLO OPEN WITH WIN

Isle of Man 0-3 Darlington in Ramsey

A stroll in Ramsey to start the tour off, although the hosts' defence proved organised and a decent test throughout the tournament.

The Ballycloan stadium, home of Ramsey AFC (pictured bottom), is a five minute walk from the town's harbour over a swing bridge, in a picturesque setting next to a boating lake. A group of around 25 Darlo fans and a decent turnout of locals sat in the small main stand and home-made pasties were at a very hospitable 50p each.

Adam Rundle opened the scoring after running onto a long ball from new signing, man-of-the-match Ashley Nicholls after just a quarter of an hour and finishing confidently. Then Barry Conlon doubled the lead - tapping in after an Ian Clark effort was saved.

Neil Wainwright made the most of a mistake by 'keeper John Ward in the second half to put the visitors into a comfortable lead. The Quakers were rarely troubled and only a stinging shot by Johnny Myers, who is apparently being watched by Macclesfield, saw Andy Collett called into any real action.

The small DAFTS contingent had joined up a couple of hours before, after flying in from London and Cardiff, meeting up with Gavin and Geoff (staying in Douglas) at the Royal George before the game. Amazing what a bit of sunshine and a couple of beers can do for the mood!

Darlington: Collett, Campbell, Valentine, Clarke M, Reed, Maddison, Wainwright, Clark I, Conlon, Nicholls, Rundle. Subs: Betts, Keltie, Naylor, McGurk, Tait Scorers: Rundle (15), Conlon, Wainwright.

Back to DAFTS home page

Go to Manx 2000 tour page

DAFTS tour diary and more pictures

Darlington 2-1 Rochdale in Ramsey

Darlington reached the final of the Isle of Man Steam Packet tournament after surviving a first half bombardment by 'Dale at Ramsey.

Darlo's Third Division rivals hit the woodwork at least three times and Andy Collett made a string of fine saves (including one pictured left) as Darlo somehow managed to sneak in at half time with the lead.

Ashley Nicholls (24) put Darlo ahead with a right foot shot inside the area after a neatly worked move involving Barry Conlon and Ian Clark. Despite Dale's dominance, Adam Rundle continued to look lively on the left, although despite his best efforts, Darlo lacked penetration in the box.

It was no real surprise though when 'Dale soon levelled after the interval, after Neil Maddison was adjudged to have fouled in the box, amongst a lot of pushing and shoving. McEvilly hit home the penalty with some power. But Conlon almost instantly restored Darlo's lead, after Clark shrugged off a defender and squared it to the Irishman in the area.

Although 'Dale continued to press, David McGurk, Adam Reed and Ryan Valentine worked hard and got some important blocks in, while Collett's goal was less troubled than in the first half with mostly half chances. Maddison and Nicholls had less of a grip on the midfield than in the opening game - and it showed.

Darlington: Collett, Betts, Valentine, McGurk, Reed, Rundle, Maddison, Keltie, Clark I, Conlon, Nicholls. Subs: Naylor, Liddle, Clarke M, Wainwright, Tait. Scorers: Nicholls (24), L McEvilly (pen 47 ) Conlon (49)

Dragons fire in Final flop

Darlington 0-1 Wrexham at the NSC, Douglas

Darlington's hopes of a final win were dashed when holders Wrexham made the best of a dull match, thanks to a Lee Jones header.

It was scrappy stuff, although at least the first half brought its fair share of chances. Jones twice brought saves from Andy Collett, once with his legs, after finding room in the box. Steve Thomas also tried to lob the Darlo 'keeper from 25 yards in the strong wind.

Darlo should have led though, with Glen Naylor wasting a good opportunity, while Ashley Nicholls saw a fierce shot rebound off the bar and Ian Clark broke free, only to see his shot saved.

It was a tenantive performance in the second half, despite three substitutions. Mark Sheeran saw a shot saved but build-ups were tame, possession was wasted and it was no real surprise when Jones had a free header from a Lee Trundle cross. Big Denis Lawrence in the centre of the Wrexham defence had the measure of a disappointing Barry Conlon and Darlo never looked like clawing the tie back.

Darlington: Collett, Betts, McGurk, Clarke M, Rundle, Maddison, Naylor, Ford, Clark I, Conlon. Subs: Wainwright, Reed, Sheeran, Liddle, Tait. Scorer: Lee Jones (64)