Adam Reed (right) and Richard Hope celebrate Robbie Blake’s goal against Brighton at Feethams in 1997 (writes Craig Stoddart)

Blake gave Quakers a fourth minute lead in a 2-0 win over struggling Brighton, Gary Twynham adding the second midway through the first half.

Darlington, then managed by David Hodgson, finished the season 18th while Brighton narrowly avoiding relegation from Division 3. They came out on top in a crunch relegation clash with Hereford United at Edgar Street, the Bulls dropping into the Conference 12 months after losing to Darlington in the play-offs.

Reed had recently returned to Feethams on loan from Blackburn Rovers, the club he joined in 1995 after coming through the ranks at Quakers, while Blake, also a product of the youth system, joined Bradford City soon after this game.

The goalkeeper pictured is Mark Ormerod, and partially hidden is Brighton defender Peter Smith.