IAN Clark followed the script to perfection by grabbing the opening goal against his former Hartlepool United teammates on Tuesday night, but Mark Tinkler's equaliser spoiled the happy ending for Quakers.

The points were shared in the last Feethams derby, a game which could have gone either way. But Darlington, again forced to reshuffle by injuries and suspensions, will be happy to have avoided defeat against strong opposition.

Craig Liddle failed an afternoon fitness test and Mark Ford was suspended, with David Brightwell and Steve Harper returning to bolster the defence.

Youngster David McGurk coped well after coming in for Adam Reed, while the versatile Clark was pushed up front to partner Barry Conlon and Danny Mellanby dropped to the bench.

Pool had begun to dominate when Clark broke the deadlock eight minutes before half-time, but the impressive Tinkler evened things up after 59 minutes.

Clark went off injured just before the goal and Mark Sheeran came on, but he could not repeat his recent super sub exploits.

The young striker had given Darlington hope of an unlikely point at Mansfield Town last Saturday, climbing off the bench to score with the home side 3-1 ahead.

But those hopes were soon dashed when Republic of Ireland international striker David Kelly scored his second goal of the game just two minutes later.

Kelly had given the promotion-chasing Stags an early lead before winning a dubious penalty, converted by Wayne Corden.

Quakers pulled one back when Clark scored from the spot, but home keeper Kevin Pilkington was lucky to stay on the pitch after bringing down Mellanby.

Prolific striker Chris Greenacre soon restored Mansfield's two-goal lead and Tommy Taylor's men were left chasing the game.

The promotion play-offs may be out of reach, but Quakers have a real chance to improve their position with two games against teams in the bottom three.

Tomorrow they take on Torquay United at Feethams and then visit Leyton Orient on Tuesday night.