Their opening two goals came when the Quakers raced clear from Morecambe corners, with Neil Austin tapping home from close range for the first.

Morecambe briefly rallied but Gregg Blundell's square ball was expertly converted by veteran striker Julian Joachim in the 63rd minute.

And Darlington killed the game when Blundell was left all alone in the box to finish from Joachim's pass.

Morecambe: Jalal, Yates, Bentley, Grand, Adams, Thompson (Curtis 82), Stanley, Drummond (Hunter 75), Baker, Blinkhorn, Twiss.
Subs Not Used: Scott Davies, Howard, Newby.

Booked: Grand.

Darlington: Stockdale, Austin, Miller, Foster, Mayo, Joachim, Cummins (Purdie 80), Ravenhill, Foran, Wright (Keltie 85), Abbott (Blundell 62).
Subs Not Used: Wiseman, Liversidge.

Booked: Wright, Cummins.

Goals: Austin 27, Joachim 63, Blundell 70.

Att: 2,773

Ref: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire).