Darlington 3-1 Bath City
by Kevin Luff - 10th April 2011
Liam Hatch scored twice as Darlington produced a decent win over Bath City. The influential forward got himself on the score-sheet in under a minute before doubling his, and Quakers’ tally for the afternoon fifteen minutes later. John Campbell wrapped up the scoring for the hosts before the break and whilst Bath did pull a goal back during the closing stages Darlington were largely comfortable in this one.
Darlington made their perfect start with just fifty-four seconds on the clock. Hatch collected a ball from the right and fired low past Bath City keeper Ryan Robinson. Hearts were in mouths however not long afterwards as Hatch needed lengthy treatment. With a Wembley cup final looming for Quakers they will be desperate to avoid seeing Hatch laid on the floor again. The forward suffered a clash of heads but was able to continue.
Bath tried to reply to the early deficient with Marc Canham’s cross hitting the woodwork after Lee Philips nearly diverted it past Sam Russell. The visitors forced several corner-kicks and appeared to be turning the screw but Darlington broke and added their second of the game on fifteen minutes. Paul Arnison’s cross was met by the head of Hatch to score the second of the game. It was Hatch’s fifth strike of the season against Bath City having scored in September at Twerton Park and a brace in the FA Trophy meeting between the two clubs.
The visitors were playing some decent football at times but struggled to create clear cut chances and Darlington were clearly in ruthless mood as they scored their third of the afternoon with virtually their third shot on target. A perfect Marc Bridge-Wilkinson pass allowed Campbell to get one-on-one with Robinson and the forward produced a neat and tidy finish to make it three-nil.
The goal on thirty-six minutes was nearly followed up by a fourth as Darlington once again cut through the Bath backline. This time Hatch and Campbell combined as the ball was pulled back for Paul Terry. The midfielder though couldn’t find the target as he dragged his shot wide.
Darlington were not as fluid after the break. Indeed Bath started the more positively of the two teams with Marley Wilkins sending over a cross which Phillips headed wide. Ten minutes after the restart however Quakers nearly made it four. A Bridge-Wilkinson corner kick saw a Hatch header blocked on the line. Arman Verma’s follow up was also blocked before Arnison hit the underside of the crossbar.
The visitors did jangle a few nerves with fifteen minutes left as they pulled one back. Phillips scored a scrappy goal after seeing his first effort saved by Russell’s legs. However the Darlington shot stopper was unable to keeper a hold of it and it allowed Phillips to force the ball home. The goal might have prompted a few thoughts back to the 2-2 draw earlier in the season when Quakers dramatically conceded a two goal advantage. However there was to be no repeat here. Darlington regained their composure and saw out the remainder of the game in comfortable fashion to claim all three points.
Darlington: Russell, Arnison, Miller, Quinn, Brown, Taylor, Terry (McReady 74), Verma, Bridge-Wilkinson, Hatch, Campbell (Senior 64). Subs Not Used: St Louis-Hamilton, Modest, Phil Gray.
Bath City: Robinson, Simpson, Clough, Rollo, Jombati, Burnell, Connolly, Henry (Murray 46), Canham, Watkins, Phillips. Subs Not Used: Borhy, Lennox, Webb, Mackie.
Darlington bookings: None.
Bath City bookings: None.
Goals: Hatch 1st min (1-0), Hatch 16th min (2-0), Campbell 36th min (3-0), Phillips 75th min (3-1).
Att: 1,752
Words by Kevin Luff.