FC United still not safe after disappointing Darlington defeat

FC United still need more points from their last three league games to secure their National League North status for next season following a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Darlington FC.

The two teams came into the game on level points but it was the away side who took the initiative, getting on the front foot early.

Just before the half hour mark they had the lead after a ball from the right was finished well inside the box by Joshua Gillies. The Quakers were good value for their lead.

It could, and should, have been a bigger lead for Darlington in the first half but Lloyd Allinson pulled off at least three top drawer saves to deny them and keep the Reds in the game.

Just before the break FC took advantage of their ‘keeper keeping them in the game when Scott Kay bundled home a Craig Lindfield corner to make the scores level at the break.

With a late first half goal the Reds began the second half on the front foot and Connor McCarthy went close early on, but soon it was the visitors who were once again on top in the game.

Although they were on top they needed a huge slice of good fortune to take the lead again, after a lofted and hopeful long-ball from the back was misjudged by Allinson at the edge of his box, bouncing just over his head and leaving Darlington captain Reece Styche the easiest of tap-ins to restore the one goal advantage.

Despite half chances here and there FC never really looked like getting anything out of the second half and the away team could have made it three but Josef Wheatley saw his effort bounce clear off the post.

FC must now look to get something from Tuesday’s home game against York City, knowing that one more win from their last three games should be enough to guarantee their safety.

Website man of the match: Scott Kay – Looked fired up as always in the middle of the park and grabbed the equaliser just before the break.

Report by Craig Phillips