Darlington picked up their first win in four games, as they put five goals past Wakefield including a hat trick from Stephen Thompson.
Having not won any of their last three it was crucial Darlo picked up the win tonight and other than a five minute spell in the second half the result did not look in doubt.
A new formation saw Darlo play a 3-5-2, with Gary Brown playing as a defensive midfielder, Dale Hopson play on the right and loan signing Adam Mitchell on the left.
The only goal in the first half came from the familiar source of Thompson’s right foot, a low drive from outside the box broke the deadlock, but the score at the break could have been more. Purewal, Dowson, Mitchell and Hopson all came close, while Wakefield rarely threatened on the break.
Shortly after half time the visitors were reduced to ten men. I was stood near the half way line in the second half and it was for abusive language towards the official. The Wakefield striker politely told the female referee to p off, after Gary brown had not been booked for a late challenge.
Despite this Wakefield surprisingly leveled, after a mix up in the Darlo defence, however we were quickly able to regain control. We re took the lead thanks to a fantastic strike from Thompson after the ball was pulled back by Hopson. Before Nathan Fisher came off the bench to score a well taken goal.
Tommo as he has done so many times before would steal the show. His third goal to complete his hat trick was the pick of the bunch, a pile driver with his weaker left foot giving the keeper no chance. Youngster Adam Mitchell then completed the scoring with the last kick of the game, a fine strike from the edge of the box to make the final score 5-1.
On another night we could have scored a lot more, we hit the woodwork three times as well as the Wakefield keeper pulling off a couple of fantastic stops in the second half, but no one would complain with five goals before the kick off.
I don’t think the sending off really changed the game, when Wakefield had eleven men we were still in complete control and as for the incident it was just a lack of discipline. Probably the worst opposition i have seen this season, it was very easy to carve them open, but nothing should be taken away from the Quakers.
All across the pitch they were strong displays, Hopson did very well on the right flank and on another night could have had a couple of goals. Mitchell was also great on the other side, especially in the first half and he got the goal he deserved late on.
Both the substitutes up front deserve a mention. Nathan Fisher took his goal very well and if given chances he will score. Ward who came on to partner Fisher, looked a very useful player. He will offer different things to Purewal, but he appeared strong and held up the ball very well.
Yet at the end of the day Thompson was rightfully given the MOTM, all of the goals were of football league quality never mind the evo stik leagues and on a potentially tricky night he shone throughout.
Quick mention to Gary Brown, good display in the middle of the park and he also was able to push the ref over when she was in the way, much to the crowds amusement.
The crowd as expected was low, to be fair the weather was appalling and i still can’t properly feel my toes, but those who were there were treated to a much improved display.
Unfortunately i will miss the next two games as i am sunning it up in Las Vegas for a week :), but hopefully i will come back to see us still second in the table and edging closer to securing a play off spot.
Starting Team : Bell, White,Tait, Galbraith, Hopson, Mitchell, Brown, Davis, Thompson, Dowson, Purewal
Simon Hahn 