FOR once, the result was all that mattered. Quakers ended a dreadful run of one point from seven league games with a workmanlike 2-1 win over Mansfield Town at Feethams on Saturday.

The slump had seen Darlington slip from the promotion fringes to 18th spot in the Nationwide Third Division.

They needed a little bit of luck to achieve victory, but the result will have eased the pressure on manager Gary Bennett.

The start was entirely predictable. After five minutes the Stags beat Quakers' offside trap and Martin Pemberton was left unmarked to rifle a low shot past Andy Collett from 15 yards.

Kevin Kyle equalised after 21 minutes with a superb dipping volley from the edge of the box which beat veteran keeper Bobby Mimms all ends up.

Both sides went close before the game was decided on the hour. Neil Aspin had just missed a great chance to put Quakers ahead, but from a corner minutes later the veteran defender was pushed in the box and the referee awarded a penalty.

With Marco Gabbiadini gone, Brian Atkinson stepped up to score his first goal for two years.

Bennett introduced 18-year-old signing Adam Marsh for the ineffectual Glenn Naylor, and the youngster almost scored with his first touch, shooting just wide. Fans' favourite Phil Brumwell, re-signed from Hull City, also came on as a substitute.

Tomorrow, Quakers return to FA Cup action with a second round tie at Feethams against Luton Town of the Second Division.

l Tuesday night's LDV Vans Trophy at York City was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. It has been pencilled in for the coming Tuesday