Cambridge took the lead against Darlington at the Abbey Stadium before subsiding to a home defeat.

The U's could not build on striker Dave Kitson's sixth-minute goal - and thus failed to celebrate the opening of the new South Stand with a win.

Their attacks were sporadic after that, Darlington taking over to play the more organised football.

Ian Clark equalised with a ferocious 15-yard shot a minute before half-time, and Ashley Nicholls won it for the Quakers in the 76th minute.

It was a triumphant return to East Anglia for the young midfielder, who was given a free transfer by Ipswich Town.

Cambridge only half cleared a corner that almost resulted in a goal for Neil Wainwright.

And Nicholls was on hand to curl a superb shot from the edge of the box under the crossbar.

Kitson headed against the bar two minutes from time but the young Cambridge team, with new signing Omer Riza from West Ham out of touch on the slippery surface, did not deserve a draw.