Darlington finally found some inspiration in front of goal to pick up maximum points over the Easter holiday.

Their 2-1 win at Hull City and 5-0 drubbing of hapless Halifax Town at Feethams lifted Quakers to 16th in division three, but the results really had more significance for their opponents.

Monday's thrashing condemned the Shaymen to relegation to the Conference, while Saturday's defeat was a massive blow to the Tigers' hopes of a play-off place.

Tommy Taylor's men got off to a flying start against Halifax, with Ian Clark scoring twice in the first 15 minutes. The second was a twice-taken penalty after the visitors had a player sent off for deliberate handball.

The third goal arrived on the hour after some comical defending by Halifax defender Mark Jules. He first conceded a corner by belting the ball over the by-line from near the half-way line and then failed to clear off the line as Barry Conlon headed the corner out of the keeper's grasp.

Mark Ford finished neatly for the fourth goal just four minutes later and substitute Mark Sheeran completed the rout with a header three minutes from time.

Clark and Conlon were also on target in a hard-working Quakers performance at Boothferry Park.

The ex-York City striker returned from injury to put his side ahead after 18 minutes and Clark tucked away the winner after Gary Alexander had equalised midway through the second half.

Taylor will want to finish a tough season on a high, but Darlington face a difficult trip to promotion-chasing Rochdale tomorrow.

Rochdale suffered a heavy defeat at Torquay on Monday and will be fighting to hang on to at least a play-off place.