Player injuries

for over a month after health problems, headed a Galbraith corner over the top.

Quakers had to reshuffle just on half-time when Muggleton suffered a bad leg injury in a 50-50 challenge with Southport midfielder Marcus Wood, and had to be stretchered off.

Just after the break, Galbraith and keeper Jonny Maddison collided as they challenged for a high ball with two Southport players, and both of them needed treatment, with Galbraith leaving the field.

Nevertheless, Quakers kept going, and they nearly won the game when Ainge headed an Elliott free-kick into the six-yard box for sub Harvey Saunders to head just wide, then Southport keeper Dan Hanford managed to touch a 30-yard free-kick by Palmer just over the top.

However, Southport also nearly won it through Gilchrist, but Maddison saved well at his feet. DARLINGTON: Maddison, Trotman, Muggleton (sub O’hanlon 46), Smith, Hughes, Galbraith (sub Saunders 56), Elliott, Palmer, Thompson, Nicholson (sub Kneeshaw 75), Ainge Subs: Wheatley, Hall