DARLINGTON fans will be glad to see the back of 2003, although the year ended on a slightly more encouraging note with last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United.

A goal from on-loan striker Lee Matthews earned Quakers a vital point from the clash between Division Three's bottom two sides.

David Hodgson's side were in desperate need of a lift after the 1-0 home defeat by Huddersfield Town on Boxing Day, which was overshadowed by the news that chairman George Reynolds had called in the administrators.

The players had to put the club's financial plight out of their minds, but were unable to give the home fans anything to cheer.

They were beaten by a comical goal in the 29th minute. A shot from Jon Stead bounced in front of Quakers keeper Michael Price and flew into the air off his shoulder. With Price looking around for the ball, Huddersfield striker Andy Booth tapped in what proved to be the winner.

The trip to Brunton Park was suddenly a daunting prospect, with the home side boosted by two successive victories.

Carlisle took an early lead through Brendan McGill, but the visitors deservedly equalised six minutes before half-time when Matthews profited from a flick on by Barry Conlon, returning to the side after a three-match ban.

The result leaves Quakers three points adrift of safety and Hodgson knows they need to start picking up points quickly, starting with tomorrow's visit to mid-table Leyton Orient.