THE first game after the end of Martin Gray’s days saw Darlington begin a new era by almost beating Stockport County, denied by an equaliser in added time.

It was a cruel way to end a day to remember for stand-in managers Phil Turnbull and Gary Brown, who were so close to enjoying a victory.

Gray resigned to join York City, and, with Brian Atkinson and Sean Gregan unable to replace him, experienced players Turnbull and Brown were in charge and they were not let down by their fellow team-mates.

They promised 100 per cent commitment from the players and it showed as Darlington, trying an approach based on a patient passing style, almost pulled off only their second league win in 11 matches.

Terry Galbraith got their goal early in the second half, giving Quakers the lead after what has been a troublesome week for the club.

Backed by a vociferous crowd showing their support for the temporary managers, Darlington almost made the perfect start.

After 70 seconds Nathan Cartman was in on goal after a mistake by County’s Chris Smalley, Quakers’ striker intercepting pass, but goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe saved.

Cartman was one of four changes, Leon Scott and Tom Portas returning to the starting line-up, while Harvey Saunders made his first league start having previously made a glut of appearances from the bench.

In what was a promising start, Turnbull had a go at goal himself, letting fly from 25 yards with the ball rolling just wide.

Stockport, who came into the game in tenth, two places ahead of Darlington, had to wait until the 13th minute before their first chance, a right-wing cross seeing lone striker Jason Oswell turned it toward goal with a back-heel, with the ball rolling wide, Scott Duxbury just unable to get a toe to the ball.

The went flat for a spell, neither team in control nor seeing sight of goal, though Darlington will have been satisfied with their first half an hour, steady away with Adam Bartlett hardly tested.

He was called into action, however, when Galbraith conceded a foul by tripping Duxbury.

Bartlett, who this week turned down the chance to join Gray at York, tipped over Sam Walker’s 25-yard effort.

As the half closed Darlington played patient passing football, building from the back and looking for an opening.

Stockport’s Steve O’Halloran flung himself at Stephen Thompson to charge down a shot inside the penalty after Saunders’ tenacity had won possession.

In the second half Darlington were attacking the Tin Shed, which made more noise in the first period than it has of late, and the fans on the terrace did not have to wait long for the goal they had been hoping for.

In the 47th minute Quakers took a 1-0 lead, Galbraith’s free-kick, won by Saunders, was sliced into his own net by Duxbury.

While the ball clearly came off the Stockport player last, Galbraith will be credited with the goal, his low and powerful ball into the near post tough to defend and, ultimately, on target too.

Stockport responded immediately, however, with a raft of chances.

Hampson's shot pinged off the post and deflected away from the back of home Bartlett's head, and then striker Oswell was through before Collins and Galbraith shepherded him to safety.

Adam Thomas then delivered a ball from close to the byline, Quakers’ right-back Liam Marrs doing just enough to prevent Connor Hampson from bundling the ball over the line before Bartlett collected.

Bartlett was busy for a spell, and a near-post save kept Quakers ahead. Stockport got forward quickly, it was four on three in Darlington’s penalty area, but Bartlett saved well from Thomas.

Midway through the half Darlington sprang back into life and it was so close to 2-0. Thompson forced his way into the penalty area, played the ball to Cartman who was denied by Hinchliffe.

The move was started by Scott, who was also in the team when the Gray era began back in 2012, and he had returned to the team at left-back to replace David Ferguson.

Saunders, who had just been booked after challenging the County keeper for a loose ball, tested Hinchliffe with a 20-yard effort, when a goal would have taken the roof of the noisy Tin Shed.

The attendance of 1,758 was Darlington’s second highest league gate of the season, only bettered by the visit of Spennymoor Town, an indication that Brown and Turnbull had the support of the club’s fans.

They should have had a second goal to cheer on 86 minutes. Saunders seized on a mistake by Stockport, the striker nipped in but was unable to provide the finish, Hinchliffe saving.

It proved costly. Stockpot piled men forward and the ball dropped nicely for Oswell, he poked home and denied Turnbull and Brown what would have been a victory to be proud of.

Still, after all that has happened this week they would have taken a point beforehand.

Goals: Galbraith (47, 1-0), Oswell (90, 1-1)

Bookings: Winter (45, foul), O’Halloran (46, foul); Turnbull (55, foul); Walker (66, foul); Saunders (74, foul)

Referee: Sam Barrott

ttendance: 1,758

Darlington (4-4-2): Bartlett; Marrs, Collins, Galbraith, Scott; Thompson (Dawson 85), Turnbull, Portas (Wheatley 64), Gillies; Saunders, Cartman. Subs not used: Wilczynski (gk), Vaulks, Syers

Stockport County (4-4-1-1): Hinchliffe; Cowan, Smalley, O’Halloran (McKenna 78), Winter; Thomas (Dixon 83), Winter (Ball 46), Walker, Duxbury; Stopforth; Oswell. Subs not used: Ormson, Brazell