QUAKERS kept their encouraging start to the season going with a 1-1 draw at Lincoln City last Saturday, a result which kept them in third place in Nationwide Division Three.

But there was a slight sense of disappointment as Darlington were only 11 minutes away from recording their fourth consecutive league win.

They had led since the 20th minute, when Mark Ford gave them the lead from the penalty spot after Barry Conlon - who once again made a nuisance of himself up front - had his shirt tugged.

Quakers again looked solid at the back as the Imps put them under pressure in the second half.

But Lincoln substitute Dave Cameron popped up to equalise in the 79th minute and deny Quakers another three points.

The display provided more encouragement for manager Gary Bennett, especially as the Imps look a much improved team under experienced manager Alan Buckley.

However, there was some bad news at Feethams this week with the announcement that 30-year-old midfielder Martin Gray has been forced to retire from playing.

Former club skipper Gray, who made 66 appearances for Quakers since his move from Oxford, was told by a specialist that he risked permanent damage to his spine if he continued playing. He had been sidelined since suffering the injury against Chesterfield in January.

But Gray will be staying with the club as reserve team coach.

Darlington will be favourites to notch another victory when they take on struggling Carlisle United at Feethams tomorrow.