Droylsden 2 Darlington 1

Darlington threw-away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 against ten-man Droylsden and were left to reflect on a 20-minute interruption in the first half that occurred when they were leading.

Graeme Armstrong had put Quakers ahead early on after meeting a Gary Brown cross from the right.

But play was suspended when fighting broke out amid a small number of supporters, believed to have travelled from the North-East, leading to Quakers manager Martin Gray attempting to resolve the situation with the fans.

Police were called and the referee said the match would be abandoned if any further disturbances occurred at the Butcher’s Arms Ground.

Play eventually resumed, though Gray had to send on substitute keeper Mark Bell to replace Peter Jameson, who had suffered an injury before the stoppage.

He was fouled by Droylsden’s striker Ben Deegen, who was shown a red card, the third player to be sent off while playing against Quakers this season.

Having played well before the break and with a 1-0 lead, Darlington must have been confident, but they were second best in the second 45 minutes against revitalised Bloods team.

Only 120 seconds into the second period it was all-square when Ciaran Kilheeney scored after a move down the right.

The goal shook Quakers, who never recovered against the ten men, who despite a lack of numbers kept three men up front.

Adam Reed missed a sitter for Darlington when it was easier to score and he was soon replaced by Adam Mitchell, who had been dropped to the bench as one of three changes.

New striker Ryan Noble made his debut as David Dowson did not start, having limped off against West Auckland in midweek, and Jordan Robinson came in for Leon Scott in midfield.

But Quakers fell behind on 62 minutes, Kevin Leadbetter finding the net with an impressive long-range effort.

Darlington attempted to fightback, Gray using all three subs, but it would have been 3-1 were it not for a smart save by Bell.

On a day when leaders Salford City dropped points at Spennymoor Town, this was a very poor result for Darlington, who are next in action on Wednesday at Heritage Park against Farsley.

Droylsden: Saunders, Brown, Holden, Frost, Dogan, Sharry, Wright, Leadbetter, Kilheeney, Deegan, Morning. Subs: Moke, Meakin, Caldercott, Green, Burke

Darlington: Jameson, Brown, White, Hunter, Galbraith, Reed, Robinson, Portas, Thompson, Armstrong, Noble. Subs: Bell (gk), Fisher, Hatch, A Mitchell, Cocks