DARLINGTON missed a chance to go fourth in the National League North table when they were beaten at Farsley this evening.

Quakers failed to cope with an early aerial bombardment, plus they made too many costly mistakes in defence.

Farsley put Darlington under pressure from the off, and after Quakers cleared a long throw and two corners, the home side nearly took the lead when the ball was crossed into the Darlington area from the right and Andy Butler headed just wide of the left-hand post.

And the Celts went close again on eight minutes from a right-wing corner that Butler headed towards goal, but Alex Purver headed off the line.

Quakers went a goal down on 11 minutes when Nathan Newall’s pass was intercepted by Kian Scales, and he threaded the ball through for Theo Williams, who spent a month on loan from Sheffield United at Darlington earlier this year, to side-foot past Tommy Taylor.

Quakers nearly levelled on 19 minutes. Hedley hoisted a free-kick into the Farsley area, and defender Allan nearly fired into his own net. From the corner, Rivers dribbled past two men into the area, but his pull-back was intercepted.

They steadily got back into the game and nearly levelled on 32 minutes when Rivers’ corner dropped for Jassem Sukar, who side-footed straight at Max Dearnley.

Quakers had more chances towards half-time. Ben Hedley and Adriano Moke set up Rivers, whose shot on the turn was saved by Dearnley.

Then Kaine Felix laid the ball in a quick counter-attack for Hazel to race into the area, but his left-foot shot came back off the post.

Rivers had another effort saved at the second attempt by Dearnley, before the visitors conceded a sloppy second just on half-time.

Quakers lost possession outside their own penalty area, allowing Carlton Ubaezuonu to have a shot partly blocked by Taylor, but Williams fired the loose ball into the roof of the net.

Hazel nearly pulled one back just after half-time, but his twisting header from Felix’s cross landed on the roof of the net.

After Williams was denied his hat-trick, Darlington manager Alun Armstrong made his first change by withdrawing defender Nathan Newall, and replacing with him with new attacker Declan Howe on 65 minutes.

Quakers pulled a goal back on 69 minutes when Nelson and Rivers combined and Rivers pulled the ball back into the six-yard box for Purver to sidefoot in.

But within three minutes, Farsley restored their two-goal advantage when the ball was played through the middle for Frank Mulhern to set up Chris Atkinson to slot the ball past Taylor.

Quakers pushed four up front in response. Rivers dribbled into the area, but was denied at the last moment, then Felix made a run into the box from the right, but was challenged.

Hedley had a 30-yarder palmed away by Dearnley as Quakers pushed everyone forward, then Hazel’s shot was blocked by Allan.