Penney’s fury over lack of composure

Aug 27 2007 The Journal

Darlington 2, Notts County 2

TWO out of three isn’t bad – but Darlington manager Dave Penney is far from satisfied.

Although Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Notts County keeps his side on top of League Two, Penney will demand that the poor defending which gifted County a late equaliser is a one-off.

He spent the summer recruiting experienced defenders who he felt had cool heads so the sort of scenario which cost the team a third successive win, would be avoided.

But as soon as the fourth official indicated four minutes of stoppage time with Darlington leading 2-1 the jitters set in. Neil Wainwright and Tim Ryan made a hash of clearing, allowing Richard Butcher to volley home his second goal and earn a third successive draw for County.

Penney wants the side to return to the ruthless defending that shut out Wrexham and Accrington in the first two games.

He said: “We are very disappointed to drop two points. We saw that if we play like that we will have no easy games. That’s why we have to learn from the lack of professionalism we showed.

“We beat Accrington last week because we dealt with the pressure they put us under. But against Notts County we didn’t. We have scored two goals, struck the woodwork twice in the first half, and created other chances. That should be enough to win games.”

Tommy Wright, whose strength and fitness has made him a constant menace for defenders, notched his third goal of the season on 41 minutes, when Pawel Abbott set him up 12 yards from goal.

When Tim Ryan moved forward from defence to bring a flying save out of Notts County keep Kevin Pilkington in the second half, Darlington looked capable of increasing their lead. But the game changed when Andy Parkinson came off the bench to add pace to the County attack.

He started giving Ryan a hard time with his pace, and once Butcher struck from close range on 71 minutes County appeared to have the belief to go on and win.

Keeper David Stockdale pulled off a brilliant save from Lee Canoville’s deflected shot moments later.

That appeared to be a crucial moment, for substitute Neil Wainwright and Ian Miller combined to put Darlington ahead on 85 minutes, Miller heading in a deep cross.

Gregg Blundell, Darlington’s third substitute should have sealed it in injury time when he drew Pilkington out of position, but lobbed wide.

County made the most of that let off and poor defending to snatch a draw to leave Penney wondering whether he needs another player or two before the transfer window closes this week.

DARLINGTON: Stockdale; Purdie, White, Foster, Ryan, Joachim, Cummins, McBride (Miller 80), Netherthorpe (Wainwright 65), Abbott (Blundell 80), Wright. Subs (not used): Oakes, Harty.

Goals: Wright 40, Miller 86.

NOTTS COUNTY: Pilkington; Canoville (Silk 77), Tann, Hunt, McCann, Smith, MacKenzie (Somner 82), Butcher, Mayo, Weir-Daley (Parkinson 59), Dudfield. Subs (not used): Sam, Sandercombe. Booked: Smith.

Goals: Butcher 72, 90.

Attendance: 3,763.

Referee: Peter Walton (Northants).