Darlington play-off hopes stung by Bees

2:49pm Saturday 31st March 2007

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DARLINGTON'S play-off hopes were dealt another severe blow after losing 2-1 at Barnet.

Goals from Dean Sinclair and Liam Hatch condemned ten-man Quakers to their second straight defeat, leaving their hopes of a top seven finish hanging by a thread.

Dave Penney's men made the worst possible start when Tommy Wright was sent off for an elbow on Simon King after just 43 second.

And Sinclair piled more agony on the visitors when he opened the scoring in the fourth minute.

Against the odds Quakers drew level through David Wheater's 22nd minute header.

But, despite holding out until half-time after playing against the wind and up the Underhill slope, it was the home side who regained the advantage through Hatch.

Some static Quakers defending allowed Hatch to side-foot home from close range after meeting Nick Bailey's free-kick from the right

David Rowson almost snatched a point in injury time was tipped inches wide by Lee Harrison.

And with virtually the last kick of the game Mark Phillips had his goal ruled out for offside, much to the frustration of the visitors.