Shrewsbury Town v Darlington, 09 September 2000

Darlington boss Gary Bennett made six changes to the team that knocked First Division Nottingham Forest out of the Worthington Cup in midweek, but he had to admit to a mistake as rejuvenated Shrewsbury came out on top of a compelling contest. Home manager Kevin Ratcliffe proclaimed the Shrews performance as the best since he arrived at Gay Meadow in November. It came only a week after winning at Hartelpool for the first time in 42 years. 18 year-old Karl Murray was the star of the show as he produced a brilliant performance in midfield where his workrate matched his intelligent promptings. It was tricky winger Sam Aiston who engineered the all-important goal though. He was wrestled to the ground by Adam Reed but the Quakers defender would claim that the offence 'started' well outside the area. Nigel Jemson made light of the arguements; he watched Frank Van Der Geest go the wrong way then rolled his spot kick in to the keeper's left hand corner. Shrewsbury fully deserved only their second home League win since 12 February despite Darlo's late attempt to maintain the unbeaten 2000/01 record. Sub Lehit Zeghdane saw his deflected shot thud against Ian Dunbavin's crossbar.