Boro battle back to defeat Darlington

Scarborough Athletic battled back from 2-0 down to beat Darlington 3-2 at the Flamingo Land Stadium on Saturday.
Boro celebrate a goal in their 3-2 win. Picture by Morgan ExleyBoro celebrate a goal in their 3-2 win. Picture by Morgan Exley
Boro celebrate a goal in their 3-2 win. Picture by Morgan Exley

The National League North side took the lead on 18 minutes when Justin Donawa was played in behind the Boro defence and lashed past Lloyd Allinson.

That lead was doubled 10 minutes later when the ball found its way to Adam Campbell on the egde of the area and he curled a superb strike into the top corner.

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Boro battled their way back into the contest and they halved the deficit after 31 minutes when Josh Barrett’s whipped cross into the box was met by Nathan Cartman, who stabbed home from close range.

Darren Kelly’s men were level heading in at the half-time interval, poor marking in the Darlington box allowed centre-back Harry Coates to head home for 2-2.

Darlington had the chance to move ahead again just before the break when they were awarded a penalty after Dan Maguire was brought down, but former Newcastle United forward Luke Charman dragged his spot-kick wide of the target.

Just four minutes into the second half Boro took the lead for the first time in the contest, Bailey Gooda finding space on the edge of the box and guiding his effort into the bottom corner.

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The remainder of the second half was relatively quiet with neither side enjoying many clear cut goalscoring opportunities as Boro held on to take the 3-2 victory.

Boss Kelly was delighted with his side’s victory.

“I was happy with large portions of the performance,” said Boro boss Kelly.

“It was disappointing to concede the two goals, but Darlington are a good side and you could see the quality they had all over the pitch.

“I wanted to see how we adapted to the challenges they presented and I thought we stood up to them well.

“Overall I was very pleased with the players.

“It was fantastic to have the supporters back with us, singing and getting behind the team.

“Non league clubs need the fans in the grounds and it was great to see them back.”