A LACK of invention and creativity again contributed to Darlington's downfall when they slumped to a frustrating 1-0 defeat at home to Rochdale on Tuesday night.

Quakers enjoyed plenty of possession, but failed to make it count as the visitors left with all three points courtesy of a Clive Platt strike midway through the first half.

It was a game Darlington were expected to win after last Saturday's encouraging 2-2 draw at home to promotion-chasing Rushden and Diamonds, especially as Rochdale were shorn of six first-team regulars.

But their fourth home defeat of the season has left them only six points above the relegation places and they now face a string of matches against teams in the hunt for promotion.

Caretaker manager Mick Tait made just one change for the Rochdale game, restoring Stuart Whitehead to the centre of defence in place of Gary Pearson.

Tuesday's defeat was especially disappointing after Quakers had come close to inflicting a rare defeat on Rushden.

Richard Hodgson gave them the lead six minutes into the second half, but the visitors soon levelled from the spot after Pearson was harshly penalised for handling in the box.

Darlington regained the lead when Ian Clark curled in a fine goal, but Rushden equalised again with just six minutes left through Jamaican international Paul Hall.

Quakers will need to show a similar level of industry and guile in the next few games to pick up vital points.

They start tomorrow with a trip to Lincoln City, currently eighth - just one place outside the play-off positions