DARLINGTON need only four points from their final three fixtures to clinch promotion after edging closer to securing top spot with a tough 2-1 win yesterday.

They overcome a resolute Stamford at the Brewery Field, grinding out victory with a battling performance against a side fighting against the drop.

Quakers recovered from going 1-0 down with goals by Kevin Burgess and Adam Mitchell completing the comeback to leapfrog Blyth Spartans.

The Northumberland club had taken advantage of Darlington’s lack of activity on Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch.

Stamford had not been interested in Quakers’ contingency plan, which was to switch the fixture to the artificial pitch at Durham City’s former home.

The Northern Echo:
A CUT ABOVE: Stamford goalkeeper Paul Bastock tries out a new hairpiece. Picture: JORDAN TODD

Travelling yesterday did not have suit the visitors either, they would have preferred a different date.

So their obstinate stance made victory sweeter for Martin Gray’s men, who tomorrow night face Grantham at home when they could win the title if Blyth slip up against Rushall Olympic.

“It was all about winning, that’s all that matters now,” said Gray. “We got three points and it was a real hard-earned three points.

“Stamford had nothing to lose, they need points to stay up.

“It’s been a tough 24 hours, trying to get this game on. As much as it was hard work on the pitch today, it’s been just as hard work getting his game on. It was challenge, but it turned out to be a fantastic Sunday afternoon for us.”

As ever, Gray did not discuss Quakers’ title prospects, saying only: “We’ve got a massive game against Grantham on Tuesday.”

Tomorrow Darlington are likely to be back at Heritage Park, after six points from two games at the Brewery Field.

Last Tuesday they were in fine form, dismantling Skelmersdale 3-0 with some fine football, but yesterday’s affair demanded a different demonstration of Darlington’s abilities.

They had to show character to fightback, after being nullified during most of the first half and suffering a blow when Phil Turnbull limped off after seven minutes with a muscle problem.

With Tom Portas and Adam Nowakowski both injured, Terry Galbraith moved to centre midfield.

Jordan Smith caught Burgess above the ankle, referee Graham Hopper only booking the left-sided Stamford player, one of a stream of poor decision by the official.

His performance was appalling, particularly during a first half in which the visitors committed a number of heavy challenges.

Heavyweight striker Gregory Smith was only booked when using an elbow on Mitchell and inside the penalty left-back Oliver Luto struck Graeme Armstrong with a high foot.

Hopper’s officiating provided a distraction from Darlington’s own lukewarm display.

A Gary Brown challenge prevented a Jake Duffy shot in the penalty area, while Stamford keeper Paul Bastock was underworked.

So relaxed was the 45-year-old keeper, who turned out for Boston United in the Football League against Quakers at Feethams, he entertained supporters by balancing a loose piece of turf on his bald head.

He had more reason to smile when team-mate Samuel Hill made it 1-0, heading home unmarked from a corner.

It was a rare lapse at the back for Darlington, who were otherwise solid, but the goal gave them the kick-start they needed.

Stephen Thompson responded, letting fly from 25 yards, Bastock pushing the ball wide as Darlington worked up a head of steam.

They kept pressing and levelled just before the break, Burgess bagging his tenth goal of the season.

A delivery by substitute left-back Paul Weldon, making his first Darlington appearance for 12 months after returning from Ashington, was missed by Bastock, allowing Burgess to stab home.

It was what Quakers needed, and the second half was much better.

Bastock made a superb save, reacting quickly when a Galbraith blast was deflected, and sub Lee Gaskell headed wide at the back post bar after meeting a Weldon cross.

Liam Hardy, another sub, hit the woodwork from a Mitchell free-kick, although Quakers had a let off when Stamford midfielder Curtis Harley shot wide when clean through.

Darlington took full advantage, rewarded for their second half dominance by going 2-1 ahead with 16 minutes to play.

Mitchell scored direct from a corner, another error by comedy keeper Bastock, though he claimed he had been impeded.

As well as a test of their character, the game was also tested Darlington’s patience with hapless Hopper.

He inadvertently intercepted a Leon Scott pass, allowing Stamford to go on a counter-attack, but the lowly opponents did not make the most of the opportunity.

However, deep into injury Stamford sub Jake Newman committed an embarrassing miss, managing to head over an empty net in the sixth minute of injury time.

It was another left off for Darlington, but all that mattered was the result, one that delighted the majority of the 1,707 attendance.

Gray was again keen to place on record his thanks to Spennymoor Town for allowing use of their home, again free or charge.

“I must say a big thank you again to Spennymoor for allowing us to come here.

“Without what their club has done for us over the last week things would have been virtually impossible for us.

“In the circumstances that we’re in, Brad Groves and the people of Spennymoor Town Football Club deserve as much credit as anybody.”