Slack defending again cost Darlington dear as they sank to a 4-2 defeat at promotion chasing Mansfield.

Ex-Newcastle striker David Kelly opened the scoring after just 80 seconds when he tapped home a deflected shot and 20 minutes later Mansfield doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.

Wayne Cordon tucked away the 20th minute spot-kick but it came in controversial circumstances after Kelly had dived theatrically as Adam Reed rushed in.

Quaker immediately hit back when Danny Mellanby was brought down by the keeper in the box but despite him being the last man, the referee Mike Ryan didn't even speak to the goalkeeper.

Nonetheless Ian Clark converted the spot kick.

Mansfield dangerman Chris Greenacre sped away through a static defence to score the third and kill off any hopes Quakers had of getting back in the game.

Super-sub Mark Sheeran gave Quakers hope of salvaging a point when he pulled the scores back to 3-2 but Kelly wasted no time in restoring Mansfield's two-goal advantage when he scored with a header from a corner.

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