[caption id="attachment_15749" align="alignnone" width="300"] Lee Gaskell in action at Mickleover earlier in the season[/caption]

Darlington gained revenge for two defeats by Hyde earlier in the season thanks to a hat trick by Lee Gaskell.

Quakers hadn’t played for three weeks, but there was no lack of sharpness in the opening half.

Quakers nearly took the lead after 3 minutes, when Lee Gaskell tried to chip Hyde keeper Ed Wilczynski from all of 25 yards, but the ball went just over the bar.

Quakers stayed on top, and Gaskell wasn’t to be denied on 20 minutes, when he was give time and space to hit another long range shot that flew over Wilczynski into the net for his 6^th goal of the season.

The visitors stayed well on top, and Adam Mitchell also tried an effort from long range, but the ball went just wide.

Darlington keeper Peter Jameson was barely troubled, although Hyde had penalty appeals by defender Gary Brown turned down.

Quakers deservedly went 2-0 up just after half time, but the goal wasn’t anywhere near as spectacular as the first. This time, Hyde defender Shane Killock headed a clearance over his own keeper, and all the harrying Gaskell had to do was knock the ball into the empty net.

It was nearly 3-0, but Leon Scott couldn’t get the ball under control in space ten yards out.

But there was to be no denying Quakers, and Gaskell completed his second hat trick since he joined the club from the penalty spot on 68 minutes, the spot kick being awarded for a handball offence.

Hyde pulled a goal back through a deflected shot by Ayrton Bevins near the end.

Quakers: Jameson, Brown, Burgess, Hunter, Galbraith, Mitchell (sub Portas 75), Scott, Turnbull, Thompson (Gibbons 85), Cartman (sub Dowson 63), Gaskell.

Subs not used: Provatt, Kneeshaw

Hyde

Wilczynski, Burke, Neville, Harris, Killock, Birch, Jago, G Spencer, S Spencer, Bevins, Boyle.

Subs not used: Khamsuk, Jones, Woods