New Darlington 1883 striker Nathan Cartman had the ball in the net during his debut, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Photo: Caught Light Photography
Ossett Albion made the mistake of showing Darlington 1883 too much respect from the start of the match and the visitors took advantage with a 2-0 win.
Nathan Cartman made his debut for Darlington in the victory having moved to the North East side for an undisclosed fee from Harrogate Railway almost two weeks ago.
Cartman nearly made an instant impact in the Evo Stik Division One North fixture, but his goal was ruled out for offside in an early scare for Ossett.
Just before the half-hour mark, Graeme Armstrong was allowed to turn and shoot from the left-hand edge of the box. His shot went low across to the right-hand post and goalkeeper Neil Bennett wasn’t able to get down in time to save it.
Albion had a couple of breakaway attacks, but they didn’t really trouble Peter Jameson in the Darlington goal. Darlington themselves had a couple more good attacks one of which was fisted clear by Bennett and the other was cleared after a saving tackle by Patrick Lindley.
The second half started brightly for Albion and Jameson had to be at his best in the first minute to keep Darlington in front. The ball came to Connor Bower on the left edge of the box and he beat two defenders before putting in a great shot which was just tipped over the bar by Jameson.
Albion were taking the game to Darlington in this half and they were causing problems for the visiting defence without really troubling the goalkeeper.
With 20 minutes remaining Darlington went further in front when the ball fell to Stephen Thompson and he forced the ball home.
Albion could have given up at this point but they continued to take the game to the visitors and were unlucky not to get a late consolation goal. The ball came over to the home side’s player/chairman Dominic Riordan, and his looping header was pushed over by Jameson.
Ossett Albion: Bennett, Nicholson, Hardaker, Lindley (Jones), Milnes, Riordan, Matthews, Sharry, Muller, Bower, Taylor (Reece). Subs unused: Walker, Grech-Brooksbank, Souter.
Referee: Matthew Bristow
Attendance: 519
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