Accrington Stanley’s dismal start to their first league campaign in 44 years, continued last night after they were out played by Darlington. In the end they lost 2-0 but it could have been so much worse.

The home side had started well with Ian Craney having a fierce shot blocked and Gary Roberts' 20-yard curler being kicked away by keeper Sam Russell.

But Darlington took the lead when Craig James' corner found its way to Michael Cummins, who volleyed home.

Martin Smith added the Quakers' second when poor defending allowed him a shot on goal.

Darlington manager David Hodgson was happy to put a dampener on Accrington's Stanley homecoming as a League club with a 2-0 victory.

He said: "They will win games here, but I wanted to spoil their party.

"I have to be pleased with the performance and we got what we deserved the three points."

Hodgson added: "This is not the nicest place to come and I am sure a lot of teams will be deflated. Other teams will say it's not very nice but lets get the points, and I had that team." (BBC Sport)

Accrington boss John Coleman was more disappointed with the crowd of 2,667 than he seemed to be with the result. He felt that more people should have turned up and questioned whether the club will ever get a big crowd if people couldn’t turn up for this match. He has to be realistic though. The club is sandwiched right in between Blackburn and Burnley. Both clubs are in the top two tiers of English football and have long established support in the area. Accrington aren’t going to suddenly take back the supporters they lost over 50 years ago. But good luck to them anyway, I really hope they turn it around.

(BBC Sport)