Darlington 1 Halifax Town 2

Quakers were wondering how they'd managed to lose this game against Halifax at Blackwell Meadows.

They created some very good chances throughout the game, but couldn't score a second, with the Halifax keeper pulling off some good saves.

But nevertheless, Quakers, with new signing Tyrone O'Neill in the line up, played some impressive and encouraging football.

Quakers took the lead after just 5 minutes with a delightful goal, which typified the flowing football that the team has been playing this season.

Stephen Thompson picked the ball up on the left hand side, ran into the centre of the field and playing a lovely ball over the top of the defence for Luke Trotman to latch on to, and square for Adam Campbell to control and fire past the keeper.

Darlington were forced into a change when David Atkinson limped off and was replaced by Osagi Bascome.

Halifax levelled on 25 minutes when the ball was given away about 35 yards out, allowing Halifax to run through and Sho-Silva beat Chris Elliott with a low shot into the bottom corner.

Quakers twice went close to regaining the lead before half time. Justin Donawa made a good run to the edge of the box, and struck a low shot that Halifax keeper Johnson saved at full stretch.

Then Thompson, who had a roving role behind Tyrone O'Neill and Campbell, cut in from the left hand side and powered in a right foot shot that Johnson did well to keep out.

Half time: 1-1

Quakers were on top at the start of the second half, but couldn't break through.

Thompson curled a right foot shot just over the top, then a low shot by Donawa was deflected by Campbell six yards out, but the keeper just managed to turn the ball around the post.

The hard working and tenacious Will Hatfield was just over the top with another effort, then Osagi Bascombe smacked a shot against the bar.

Halifax hadn't threatened much in the second half until right at the end when sub Freedman managed to scramble a left wing cross past Elliott at the second attempt.

Final score: Darlington 1 Halifax Town 2

Attendance 549

Next games: Northallerton (away) Tuesday kick off 7.30pm

Middlesbrough Under 23 (home) Saturday kick off 1pm

Team: Elliott, Trotman, Liddle, Atkinson (sub Bascome 10, sub Scott 68), Laing, Watson, Donawa (sub Bell 65), Hatfield, Campbell (sub Rhys Armstrong 88), Thompson, O'Neill (sub Holness 65).

Subs: Holness, Bascome, Bell, Scott, Armstrong

Halifax:

S Johnson, J Hanson, Triallist, R Staunton, M Brown, Triallist, Triallist, J Allen, T Sho-Silva, C King, Triallist

Subs: H Freedman, W Appleyard, M Duckworth, J Earing, N Clark, N Maher