A controversial refereeing performance failed to help Darlington's cause at the Northern Echo Arena as Quakers fell to a 2-1 defeat. In the first home game of the year Steve Staunton's side turned in a better showing than the first period against Crewe at the weekend but were not helped my a number of poor decisions from the match official.

Staunton handed a full debut to Simon Madden along with goalkeeper Shane Redmond who arrived from Nottingham Forest earlier that day. Madden was involved as Darlington started the encounter brightly. Chris Dunn, who was chasing a Northampton Town club record number of clean sheets, was called into action when a long range Madden effort had to be pushed onto the post. The Cobblers shot stopper reacted quickly to collect the loose ball despite suggestions it may have crossed the line.

The positive start continued from the home side and they took the lead on the half hour mark. Jeff Smith sent over a cross to the far post where Tadhg Purcell was on hand to slot home. It was the Irishman's second goal in three games for Darlington making him one of the leading scorers at the club.

Billy McKay caused Quakers a few concerns as the first half ended and ten minutes after the interval he had levelled for the visitors. However just a few minutes earlier Darlington could have doubled their lead at the other end. Youngster Curtis Main somehow failed to connect properly when he had a good sight of goal. Instead it was Northampton who grabbed the next goal as McKay rounded Redmond to make it 1-1.

The visiting Cobblers then took the lead with twenty-minutes left. Ryan Gilligan was let in by McKay's right wing cross and he finished nearly. It was harsh on Darlington who had worked hard and done a lot better than in their previous outing at Crewe. The home side's reply nearly saw them equalise as a powerful Jeff Smith effort was pushed away by Dunn.

Darlington then bought on Noel Whelan with ten minutes left but he lasted just minutes thanks to what appeared to be another hamstring problem. Quakers continued to push forward looking for another goal to try and earn a point and they should have had a penalty. Abdul Osman clearly held back Gareth Waite in the visitors area before he stopped a shot with his hand. However the referee, much to the frustration of everyone, waved play on. Two earlier decisions in the first half - one which ended with a ruined Darlington shirt - only made it worse.

The home side tried to keep going however and were nearly rewarded at the end when Purcell was denied by a good save by Dunn. The Northampton keeper showed what excellent form he has been in of late by getting down and parrying the fierce effort. It was not to be though as both players and manager were left frustrated.