DARLINGTON suffered stoppage-time heartbreak as they crashed out of the FA Trophy at the hands of National League Southend United.

Alun Armstrong's side looked to be heading for a penalty shootout with the scores level at Roots Hall, but Southend struck in the third minute of added time to settle things.

Darlington could not have wished for a better start in front of the 369 travelling fans who had made the long journey from the North-East, with Jack Lambert scoring his 15th goal of the season after just 39 seconds.

Lambert controlled Kallum Griffiths' through ball before slotting home from ten yards.

Southend levelled six minutes later, with Harry Cardwell heading home from a right-wing cross.

Tommy Taylor made a good save at the start of the second half, keeping out Noor Hosin's shot, while Griffiths went close at the other end with a shot of his own that was saved.

Rhys Murphy hit the post for Southend with five minutes remaining, but just as looked as though Darlington would hold out for spot-kicks, the hosts struck in stoppage time.

Husin crossed from the left, and Cardwell stabbed home his second goal of the game at the back post.