Two goals from Hignett helps Quakers to a sweet revenge against Shrews. Pictures by Les Hodge.
Following a four goal defeat against the Shrews at Gay Meadow Darlington looked to inflict some backlash on their visitors. Since the late December meeting between the two sides Quakers had embarked upon a four game unbeaten run which had seen a noticeable point against Scunthorpe and an equally useful draw against Northampton on the road. Darlington were keen to set the record straight with this one but had to do it without Clyde Wijnhard who was suffering from a strain. Prior to the game there had been concerns for Gregorio, Close and Clarke however the trio all made it.
Inside a couple of minutes Scott Howie was forced into a full length save to deny Adrian Webster who unleashed a rasping drive from distance. Shrewsbury were forced onto the back foot as Darlington started well and Hignett was unlucky to see a shot blocked. The ball broke back to Darlington and a cross from the left found Armstrong who saw a goal bound header hit a defender. Darlington continued to probe and Ryan Valentine provided a good right win cross for Webster to nod wide of the mark. Shrewsbury were clearly looking to defend and even a corner kick saw not push many players into the box. However this corner, headed away by Fleming, saw Shrewsbury eventually create their best chance in the opening ten minutes. The ball was switched wide to Sedgemore who played a one two and pulled a brilliant save from Sam Russell who dived to his right to push the ball behind. The good chance for Shrewsbury bought the visiting side out of their side a little and allowed Quakers a little bit of extra space in the final third, however not by much. On twenty minutes Darlington had an excellent chance as Craig Hignett played a brilliant threaded ball to Webster who exploited space in the middle of the Shrews defense. The midfielder got a touch but not enough to guide it past Howie in goal. Brian Close conceded a free kick when he won the ball. In a similar position to the free kick Shrewsbury scored from in the reverse Jamie Tolley hit a near post shot which Russell did well to save. With nearly half an hour played Craig Hignett played a brilliant ball through to Webster who got in the box and turned the ball across the six yard box for Wainwright to slide home for his second goal of the season and the lead. The opening goal saw Shrewsbury forced to change and commit more men forward. Quakers continued to enjoy more of the possession but were unable to create another chance as clear cut at the one which bought the goal. A few minutes before half time Neil Wainwright was bought down on the left and the free kick was left for Webster. The in swinging ball found Armstrong but he could not get enough on his header.
With the temperature dropping rapidly Darlington really needed to up the tempo in the second half. Twice however Shrewsbury made good ground down the flanks but lacked players in the middle to hurt Quakers. On fifty minutes Darlington were dealt a blow as Webster went down with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Convery. Moments later Paul Gough was back on the pitch as Gregorio was caught. On fifty six minutes Shrewsbury had a good chance. A cross from Moss down the right found Langmead and Sam Russell had to touch over the bar. Quakers had failed to start like they had finished and the Shrews with nothing to lose were looking more likely. Despite the increasing threat Darlington did have a good chance when Gregorio steamed into the area. The ball broke to Convery and his shot on the turned lacked power and Howie collected low down. Darlington followed up with a dangerous Wainwright cross and moments later Quakers had the vital second albeit against the run of play. Armstrong robbed Whitehead deep down the left side of the box and passed to a free Hignett in the middle of the area and midfielder slammed the ball home for the all important second. Whilst Darlington had been second best for the second period they made a bright spell count. With just over quarter of an hour left Shrewsbury's Sam Aiston pulled a good save from Sam Russell. A few minutes later Matthew Clarke produced a great saving tackle as the ball found Lowe down the right. Cleaning up the resulting corner kick Darlington promptly went down the other end and made it three. Wainwright cut inside and found Convery. His shot bought a good save from Howie but it broke to Wainwright and his shot was again saved. The ball again broke to Darlington and it was third time lucky as Hignett squeezed home for his second. The third goal essentially left Darlington to go through the and this was more or shown as with five minutes left a tireless Maddison, with an equally good performance as his efforts, was bought off for Keltie. Shrewsbury should have pulled a goal back as Langmead played a good cross the left and Derby saw a shot which had goal written all over it calmly saved by Sam Russell after making a great block.
Quakers had to be patient during the first half to break down a defensive minded Shrewsbury. The first goal was what Darlington needed and it did draw Shrewsbury out a little more during the opening period. However the visitors were at their most dangerous during the second half and Quakers were second best for a period. However a good spell of pressure was well used to claim the second and Darlington stepped up another gear to grab the third. Despite a late Sam Russell save Darlington were comfortable during the remaining stages and gained a sweet revenge for the hammering at Gay Meadow.
Darlington: Russell, Valentine, Fleming, Clarke, Maddison (Keltie 86), Close (Hughes 79), Wainwright, Gregorio, Webster (Convery 50), Armstrong, Hignett. Subs: Keltie, St Juste, Cpnvery, Hughes, Kendrick.
Shrewsbury: Howie, Moss, Challis, Tolley, Tinson, Sedgemore, Aiston, O'Conner (Lowe 65), Whitehead, Edwards (Derby 76), Langmead. Subs: Ridler, Lowe, Derby, Hert, Stevens.
Darlington bookings: Gregorio
Shrewsbury bookings: O'Conner
Goals: Wainwright 28th min (1-0), Hignett 69th min (2-0), Hignett 74th min (3-0)
