Relegated Darlington's youngsters outplayed lacklustre Macclesfield in a 2-0 victory.

Youngsters shine as relegated outfit bag consolation win

Relegated Darlington promised an early return to league football next season as their youngsters outplayed lacklustre Macclesfield in a 2-0 victory. Teenage striker Michael Smith led the line superbly, scoring the killer goal in the 79th minute when he converted a Mark Convery cross with a bullet header at the far post. Earlier in the eighth minute, the Quakers had taken the lead when centre-back Ian Miller powered home another Convery cross with a header in-off the crossbar. In between Darlington could have added further goals, with Michael Smith twice denied by keeper John Brain and John McReady lofting a simple chance over the bar. Convery, however, wasted their best chance to extend their lead when his 53rd-minute penalty was well saved by Brain after Paul Bolland was judged to have brought down substitute Nathan Mulligan.