Darlington recorded their first win since August and eased the pressure on under-fire manager Tommy Taylor with a win over Bristol Rovers at Feethams.

Striker Barry Conlon was the home side's hero as he headed the ball home following Ryan Valentine's left-wing cross.

Darlington failed to increase their advantage even though Ian Clark and Graham Fenton had chances.

And the visitors' chances of grabbing an equaliser were hit when striker Paul Tait was sent off for an alleged head-butt on Darlington defender Stuart Whitehead.

But Rovers almost grabbed an undeserved equaliser when striker Robert Quinn turned sharply inside the area and struck the ball against the woodwork.

---

Darlington: Collett, Valentine, Liddle, Whitehead, Betts, Wainwright, Maddison, Ford, Clark, Fenton, Conlon. Subs: Hodgson, Sheeran, McGurk, Porter, Nicholls.

Bristol Rovers: Howie, Boxall, Uddin, Barrett, Challis, Carlisle, Quinn, Bryant, Astafjevs, Tait, Grazioli. Subs: Clarke, Austin, Hogg, Richards, McKeever.

Referee: A Kaye (W Yorkshire)