DARLINGTON'S hopes of making the National League North play-offs are all but over after they were beaten 3-1 by league leaders King's Lynn at Blackwell Meadows.

The defeat has seen Quakers drop to 13th position in the table, and while they still have a mathematical chance of making the play-offs are they are three points off seventh position with one more game to play, the reality is that it would need a remarkable set of circumstances for Alun Armstrong's side to secure a play-off place.

King's Lynn claimed the lead in today's game shortly after the half-hour mark as Ben Stephens headed home from close range following a save from Tommy Taylor.

The visitors doubled their lead just five minutes later with Josh Coulson heading home from a cross from the right.

It was 3-0 shortly after the half-time interval as Gold Omotayo stabbed home after his initial effort had been blocked.

Darlington clawed a goal back with 20 minutes remaining, with Ben Liddle converting from the penalty spot after Jacob Hazel had been fouled.