Darlo dazzle as victory boost promotion hopes

DARLINGTON moved to within two points of the National League North play-off places after a professional

ALFRETON TOWN 0

performance gave them an impres

DARLINGTON 2

sive win at Alfreton Town.

Goals from Erico Sousa and infire his rising shot against the crossform Adam Campbell werebar.enoughto seal the points for Alun Armstrong's However, there would be no let-off side. for Alfreton on 12 minutes as winger

New loan signing O'neill was Sousa continued his impressive start named on the bench as Dan Maguire to life with Darlo by making the most was given the opportunity to build on of an error from Willis to put his side his two-goal display in their midweek ahead. win at Guiseley. Although the visitors always looked

The former Blyth Spartans man the more likely of the two sides to get almost made it three goals in two the next goal, it was the hosts that games when he forced hosts keeper came close to restoring parity seven George Willis just two minutes in. minutes before half-time.

The rebound fell to Quakers midStriker Elliott Reeves found some fielder Will Hatfield, who could only space down the left-hand side and cut inside before sending an curling a right-foot shot just beyond Melvyn Minter's far post.

The Quakers held on to their onegoal advantage until the interval but that was almost doubled within seven minutes of the restart as Sousa saw his long-range effort fall narrowly wide of the near post.

The two sides swapped chances as the hour-mark passed as the intensity of the game rose and it was the Quakers that almost grabbed a decisive second goal.

O'neill opted to ignore a run from Adam Campbell before lashing a powerful low drive that was well saved by Town keeper Willis.

That save was almost rewarded in fine style moments later after Reeves was denied by an impression reaction stop from Darlington keeper Minter.

Armstrong's men secured the point with seven minutes remaining as former Newcastle United striker Campbell continued his impressive recent form by rounding off a quick counterattack with a neat finish at the near post.

That was enough to see off Alfreton and ensure that the Quakers moved up to mid-table as they turn their focus towards Tuesday's home game against Bradford Park Avenue.