Craig Russell could find little consolation in the Bank Holiday Monday draw at Bristol Rovers, despite ending his personal goal drought.

The Darlington striker last night admitted his first goal of the season - after just 55 seconds - had little relevance after Quakers threw away a two-goal lead, to draw 3-3 at the Memorial Ground.

Russell's goal came 33 appearances after the former Sunderland last found the net for Quakers - in a 1-0 win at Macclesfield 12 months ago.

"I've had to wait too long for that goal to be honest," admitted Russell. "It would have been nice to score and come away with a win but that wasn't to be.

"We were very disappointed to come away with a draw, especially when we were 3-1 up with not long to go.

"All we can do is concentrate on our next game and make sure we beat Chester on Saturday."

Despite ending his barren spell, the 31-year-old faces competition to retain his place when Chester City pay their first ever visit to the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Dutch striker Clyde Wijnhard is available after serving a three-match ban and will partner Russell or Craig Hignett in attack. Alun Armstrong faces another fortnight on the sidelines with a calf injury.

"It's always going to be difficult when you're competing with such good players," admitted Russell. "It's up to me to show the manager that I'm worth a place in the side."

Trialist Kevin Braniff failed to net as a youthful Quakers reserves side were beaten 1-0 at Scunthorpe United yesterday. The Northern Ireland Under-21 striker is spending a second week training with Quakers from Championship side, Millwall. Wayne Corden scored the only goal of the game to take the Iron top of the Pontins League. Quakers remain third bottom after their ninth defeat.

Darlington: Price, Pattison, Mason, Kendrick, Gilroy, McLoud, Thomas, Craig Hughes, Clark, Braniff, Parkin Subs: Logan, Poole, Casson, Janes.

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