DARLINGTON have parted company with manager Josh Gowling in the wake of this afternoon's 2-0 defeat at Scarborough Athletic.

Gowling leaves Quakers after just over three months in charge at Blackwell Meadows, and with his side firmly rooted in the National League North relegation zone.

The former Hereford United boss succeeded Alun Armstrong, and was charged with the task of lifting Quakers up the table.

He has been backed with the acquisition of a host of new players, but has been unable to generate an improvement in form.

He presided over 16 matches as Darlington boss, with his only three victories coming against Farsley, Chester and Gloucester.

The low point of his reign was an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Chorley, while his final two matches saw Quakers lose to Bishop's Stortford and Scarborough.

A Darlington statement said: "Following our 2-0 defeat at Scarborough today, Darlington FC have regrettably parted company with manager Josh Gowling.

"We would like to thank Josh for all his efforts since he was appointed in September.

"We will make an announcement about the ongoing position in due course."