The GAB!

Darlington 4 Exeter City 0.
by Special Correspondent 

Tuesday 4 May 1999.

EXETER City finally managed to conclude their Feethams farce last night - and must wish they hadn't bothered. The Grecians were furious after making three previous attempts to travel to Darlington this season. Peter Fox's men eventually trekked more than 2,000 miles before they were able to complete the jinxed fixture.

Their misery was compounded by the 16-minute Marco Gabbiadini hat-trick that sent City crashing to a 4-0 defeat. And to add to the agony, the Quakers' much-maligned surface waterlogged NINE times this term was bone-hard and uneven after the North East had basked in several days of Bank Holiday sunshine.
"It's a hard pitch to play on at any time and I'm sick of the sight of the place," admitted "It's a hard pitch to play on at any time and I'm sick of the sight of the place," admitted Fox. "To have to travel all the way here three times, only to lose 4-0 is very disappointing. Fox was angry with the manner is which his side gifted their hosts their opening two goals with goalkeeper Ashley Bayes the prime suspect. The contest appeared to be heading for stalemate until Bayes dropped a 61st minute clanger to gift Gary Bennett a simple opener. "We dug in well in the first half and created a couple of chances," said Fox. "But goals change games and Ashley (Bayes) holds his hands up for the first two. "He virtually punched the first goal into his own net. Then he threw the ball out when he shouldn't have done and we got caught again. "We capitulated. That isn't the way we want to play or the way we want to finish the season. "My back four performed quite well but Marco Gabbiadini was unbelievable. To have somebody of his ability at Exeter next season would really be something."

Darlington were strangely subdued in the opening period, despite speculation surrounding a sensational takeover bid. George Reynolds among the nation's 50 richest men after building a £250 million fortune in the chipboard industry- was expected to be confirmed as the club's new owner today.  And Reynolds is thought to be ready to provide the Quakers with a massive cash injection. But the hosts escaped after just eight minutes when City skipper Jon Richardson skipper headed just over from Geoff Breslan's corner. And Darlington defender Steve Tutill was fortunate to receive only a caution after an off-the-ball elbow on Exeter striker Steve Flack. Breslan's teasing 19th minute cross was almost turned into his own net by Craig Liddle. From the resulting corner, Chris Curran's fierce volley forced home goalkeeper David Preece into a spectacular save. Gabbiadini - the division's most-prolific marksman this season had a breakaway effort ruled out for offside just before the interval. But Darlington didn't threaten again until Bayes' gaffe: fumbling Gary Himsworth's corner to present Bennett with a close-range invitation. Bayes blundered again five minutes later. His throw was intercepted by Himsworth, who raced into the penalty area and crossed for Gabbiadini to tap in. Bayes partially redeemed himself with a brilliant save to foil Gabbiadini. But shellshocked Exeter found themselves trailing 3-0 when the former Sunderland and Derby favourite latched onto Brian Atkinson's 78th minute pass before firing home. And Gabbiadini soon completed his treble with a stunning 25th goal of the campaign.

DARLINGTON:
Preece, Reed, Heckingbottom, Liddle, Tutill, Bennett, Campbell, Himsworth (Brumwell 88), Curruthers (Ellison 78), Gabbiadini, Atkinson (Naylor).

EXETER:
Bayes, Curran, Power, Holloway (Gale 80), Richardson, Gittens, Fry, Rees, Flack, McConnell, Breslan (Waugh 69). Sub (not used): Blake.