Words: James Whitbread
The Iron look to further build on the 2-0 win over Leamington, courtesy of a Cal Roberts brace to move United back up to top spot.
Last season the Iron enjoyed their home fixture against our opponents as we won 4-0 last August, thanks to a first half Danny Whitehall brace, and goals from Alfie Beestin and Dion Sembie Ferris in the second half. In last year’s fixture at Darlington, the roles were reversed as the Iron suffered a 4-0 defeat away from home, United will be looking to get their revenge.
Darlington come into this clash sitting in 15th place, with just one loss in their last five. Darlo have picked up most of their points on home territory, as they have been beaten just once at home (which was on the opening day against third placed Kidderminster Harriers) with four wins and three draws in their other home fixtures.
This season, Darlington’s Achilles heel has been their lack of goal scoring prowess, with only 18 goals this season. Only three teams have managed to bag less goals this season; Needham Market, Rushall Olympic and Marine. No Darlo player has managed to score more than three goals this season, with their attackers will be looking to improve their accounts against the Iron.
Darlington’s strong area this season has been their defence with just 18 goals conceded, less goals than any team in the bottom half and only seven teams in the league have conceded less (Scunthorpe, Kidderminster, Curzon, Alfreton, Chester, Hereford and Brackley). At home this record is even better for Darlo as they have conceded just six goals from their eight home fixtures and have managed to pick up four home clean sheets, the Iron will have the great task to break down the hosts on a ground they don’t normally lose.
A man who will be looking to break down this Darlo defence is Cal Roberts, his double over Leamington pushed his goals scored to double figures, with his account for this season standing at 10 goals and four assists in the league. His form recently has been nothing short of spectacular with nine goals in his last nine league games. Roberts currently leads the race for top scorers in National League North.
Looking to make it two wins in two, the Iron have a big task on their hands, against a tough to beat Darlington side.
