CLYDE WIJNHARD watched from the stands as Darlington suffered a penalty shoot-out defeat at the hands of Mansfield Town in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy last night.

Wijnhard is close to agreeing terms and will hold further talks with manager David Hodgson today over a short-term contract.

However, Wijnhard's imminent arrival has been dampened by the news that defender Curtis Fleming faces a month on the sidelines with a knee injury.

In a game typical of the reputation the competition has received during its 21-year history, the tie was settled by penalties when it remained goalless after extra time.

Stags defender Scott McNiven succeeded with the all-important spot-kick as the home side ran out 4-3 winners to book their place in the next round of the competition.

Last season's League visit to Field Mill - a 3-1 defeat for Quakers - ended in controversy when referee Trevor Kettle booked six visiting players and sent off defender David McGurk.

The decision was later rescinded after Town's directors submitted a letter to the Football League.

But in the less charged atmosphere of the Football League Trophy on a blustery evening in Nottinghamshire last night, there was little high drama as a crowd of 1,651 watched Quakers crash out at the first hurdle.

Mansfield won the competition 17 years ago, when they beat Bristol City on penalties at Wembley. But like Quakers, Town have made little impact in recent seasons - losing their last five first round games.

The last time Quakers made it past the first round was three years ago when goals from Phil Brumwell and a David Ridler own goal ensured their progression with a 2-1 win over Macclesfield at Feethams.

Former Derby midfielder Adam Murray wasted a glorious opportunity to put Town one up after four minutes when he fired over with only Sam Russell to beat.

An inexperienced Mansfield side, weakened by 11 injuries, continued to look the more threatening.

Only the woodwork prevented the home side from taking a 13th minute lead when Colin Larkin curled against the upright when Russell looked beaten.

It wasn't until the 19th minute that Quakers recorded their first shot on goal.

Midfielder Stephen Thomas, returning to the side after a three-match absence, fired tamely into the arms of keeper Kevin Pilkington.

At the other end a speculative 40-yard drive from Stags midfielder Neil MacKenzie zipped just wide of Russell's goal.

The home side were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men in the 33rd minute when last man Neil Wainwright was brought down by Scott McNiven, only for the referee to wave play on.

With half-time approaching Pilkington came to Town's rescue when he saved point blank from a Ryan Valentine volley.

In front of the 47 travelling Quakers fans, Russell saved at the near post from Tom Curle on the hour mark, with many already pondering extra time.

However, Brian Close had other ideas, riding past three challenges into the box, before Mansfield hacked clear.

Read more about the Quakers here.