Ten men Quakers doubled their points tally for the campaign with a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park. Substitute Curtis Main powered home a header in the closing stages of the game to cancel out Robert Atkinson's opener midway through the first half.

Former Darlington players Barry Conlon and Adam Proudlock both returned from suspension to the bench for Grimsby Town. After a disappointing start to the campaign Mike Newell's side had improved in recent weeks with wins over Hereford United and Torquay United. Their steady improvement was in part the reason why Quakers were already adrift at the foot of the table.

Darlington's record at Grimsby Town was impressive in recent years. However that impressive sequence looked in danger ahead of this game. With just a single point for their campaign ahead of kick-off Darlington badly needed to get something out of this encounter. A bright opening period saw Quakers pass the ball around to decent effect but despite Kevin Gall's best efforts it was only after the break and the introduction of Main that Quakers looked likely to score.

Grimsby, boosted by their two victories, moved the ball forward quickly whenever they could and had the lion's share of the openings - particularly during the first forty-five minutes when they forced a multitude of corner kicks. It was one of these flag kicks that saw the home side take the lead on twenty-minutes. Atkinson was left free to head the hosts in front and for the remainder of the first half they never looked likely to concede that advantage.

Indeed Grimsby could have built upon it. Town immediately won another corner kick after taking the lead. This was deflected off target for another. Jean Louis Akpro saw Russell Hoult deal with his effort however Darlington were struggling to clear their lines and soon afterwards the home side won another flag kick as the number of corners continued to rise. Ryan Bennett was the next to have a go as his header flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Akpro was the next recipient from a corner. On twenty-five minutes he bought the ball down inside the area but his shot was gathered. A mistake by the Darlington defence allowed Jamie Clarke to pick up possession down the left flank. However his low pass into the area was poor and Grimsby failed to make the most of the chance. In between times Jamie Chandler shot over the bar as Darlington searched for a way back into the game.

After the break Darlington rolled their sleeves up and the introduction of Main on sixty-three minutes for David Dowson changed the direction of the game. Crucially it gave Darlington more cutting edge in the final third. Grimsby continued to look threatening from set-pieces but Quakers, to their credit, continued to battle. Close to the hour mark Chandler curled a shot wide of the Grimsby goal before Jamie Devitt saw a low near post shot pushed behind.

On sixty-three minutes Darlington brought on Main for Dowson, while Grimsby bought on Proudlock and Adrian Forbes for Peter Bore and Akpro. Almost immediately Proudlock broke down the right and sent a shot wide, while Darlington broke for Main to find Gall, who dragged his shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

Quakers though were reduced to ten men with quarter of an hour left. Chandler was sent off for violent conduct as he appeared to swing an arm in front of the referee. Darlington however rallied and dragged themselves level with ten minutes of play left. Mark Convery's cross from the right wing was headed home by Main to the relief of the 158 travelling supporters.

Conlon was bought on for the home side in response and was quickly denied a goal. Darlington needed a good stop from Hoult late on to prevent Ryan Bennett's header from going in. Main though nearly gave Darlington all three points with a late effort as they settled for a share of the spoils. Darlington battled throughout the game. For the most part they lacked cutting edge, Grimsby Town threatened from set-pieces but the introduction of Main gave Quakers a deserved share of the spoils.