County Clinch Late Point

By Olly Chapman
September 3 2005

Darlington were denied the chance to go top of the football league last night after a late equaliser from Notts County ensured that each side got a share of the spoils.

Stand in skipper Joey Hutchinson was forced to clear of the line after pressure from a series of Notts County corners and looked comfortable alongside re-called Shelton Martis in the absence of suspended Matthew Clarke.

Both sides pressured, but couldn't break the deadlock until the 80th minute, when substitute Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu headed in a Neil Wainwright cross from the right hand side.

But 1 goal was not enough and Notts County levelled the game 5 minutes later through a contreversial goal, which many fans thought had not stood, after the linesman had flagged for a foul on the Darlington goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu, but the referee waved this away, and each side left with a point, ensuring County stayed at the top.

Darlington are now 4th in League 2 after Rochdale thumped Torquay 4 - 1 at home to move 2nd. Rivals Hartlepool were beaten at home by bottom of the league Yeovil to remain hovering around the danger zone.