Wycombe Wanderers 1 Darlington 1

Last updated : 19 February 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Wycombe and Darlington failed to boost their hopes of reaching the League Two play-offs as they had to settle for a point apiece in a 1-1 draw at the Causeway Stadium.

The home side started brightly with Steve Guppy releasing Steve Claridge and the veteran striker's cross was volleyed wide by player-coach Keith Ryan on two minutes.

This served as an early warning for the visitors and veteran striker Alun Armstrong somehow failed to convert after a goalmouth scramble on 11 minutes.

The Quakers deservedly took the lead on 34 minutes with former Leeds striker Clyde Wijnhard looping a backward header over despairing Wycombe goalkeeper Frank Talia following a corner which had not been cleared.

However, the home side were level just two minutes later when Clint Easton sent Ian Stonebridge clear and, when his lob struck the woodwork, Claridge was following up to head home his second goal in four days.

The hosts almost went into the half time interval ahead after skipper Roger Johnson headed Danny Senda's free-kick wide from four yards on 43 minutes.

The second half produced less excitement than the first with both teams appearing to settle for the point.

Armstrong headed over on the hour following a ball in from the right by Adolfo Gregorio for the visitors.

At the other end Claridge had a header saved 10 minutes later by Darlington keeper Sam Russell and Ryan volleyed into the arms of the grateful Russell in injury time.

Both sides will feel happy with the point gained as they look to cement their position near the summit of League Two.