In a tightly contested match at the National League North, Darlington FC emerged victorious over South Shields FC with a solitary early goal. The decisive moment came from Darlington’s quick attack at the 30th minute mark of the first half, where a well-executed team play culminated in the only goal of the match. This early lead set the tone and forced South Shields to chase the game, but the home side struggled to break through a disciplined Darlington defense.

Darlington's game management was commendable, highlighted by their ability to maintain discipline under pressure, despite accumulating two yellow cards throughout the match. Their defensive solidity was underscored by the fact they did not concede a single offside, indicating precise and coordinated defensive alignment. On the contrary, South Shields found themselves caught offside five times, reflecting their struggle to penetrate Darlington's defensive line effectively.

Set-pieces were another area where Darlington had the upper hand, earning six corner kicks compared to South Shields’ three. Though neither side managed to capitalize on these opportunities, Darlington's ability to win more corners reflects their more sustained offensive pressure. Meanwhile, South Shields’ limited corner tally further illustrates their difficulty in sustaining attacks deep into the opposition's territory.

In terms of disciplinary actions, South Shields maintained a cleaner sheet with only one yellow card, suggesting a relatively disciplined performance in defense. However, their inability to translate defensive discipline to attacking efficiency was evident in their difficulties in front of the goal. In contrast, while Darlington collected more yellow cards, it did not detract from their overall cohesive performance, allowing them to maintain their lead and secure a crucial victory.

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