Story by Kevin Luff - 4th April 2007

Reserves defeated by Hartlepool United

Darlington's reserves slipped to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of local rivals Hartlepool United at the Arena. Swiss forward Gaetano Giallanza made his return from a lengthy layoff against a strong Pools side which included Willie Boland, Joel Porter, Michael Mackay and former Quakers' player Craig Hignett.

Darlington meanwhile gave starts to David Stockdale, Brian Close, Kevin Burgess, Patrick Collins, Kalu Ngoma and Rory Prendergast. The first half was a tight affair with few chances for either side. Quakers were temporarily reduced to ten men when Burgess collided with Stockdale. The defender required treatment for a head injury but bravely continued.

Pools had the best chance of the first half when Hignett crossed low from the left for Mark Tinkler but Stockdale was equal to his effort and the scores remained level at the break. The visitors took the lead in the second half when Matty Robson crossed low for Porter to tap home.

Tinkler found himself booked not long afterwards following a crude tackle on Prendergast down the left flank. The winger was stretched off and at the other end Hartlepool should have made the game safe when Mackay hit the post from a tight angle.

Darlington: Stockdale, Hardman, Close, Mcleod, Burgess, Collins, McIntosh, Todd, Ngoma, Giallanza, Prendergast. Subs: Gladwin, Mulligan, Hunter, Turnbull, Pocklington.

Hartlepool: Provett, Williams, Robson, Jones, Tinkler, Boland, Clarke, Turnbull, Porter, Mackay, Hignett. Subs: Foley, Maidens, Anderson, Mullen, Hetherington.

FT: Darlington reserves 0-1 Hartlepool reserves