Darlington discovered an unlikely source of inspiration when they finally managed to kick an annoying habit last Saturday.

Two goals from central defender Matt Clarke - pushed up front at half-time as an emergency striker - helped Quakers fight back to defeat Kidderminster Harriers 2-1 at Feethams.

The three points ended a run of four successive league draws and renewed hopes of a late push for the Division Three promotion play-off places.

It looked odds-on that Darlington were heading for their 13th stalemate of the season after Clarke's first goal had cancelled out Bo Henrisken's opener for the visitors.

But the former Halifax Town player produced a stunning volley from Richard Hodgson's cross to snatch victory with seven minutes remaining.

Mick Tait's men struggled to make an impression in a turgid first half, with the ineffective Richard Offiong isolated up front.

The manager explained later that Hodgson and Ashley Nicholls had been deployed to support the on-loan youngster in a front three, but were continually dragged too deep.

The decision to use Clarke as a striker in the second half proved inspired, but not before Quakers fell behind to Henriksen's strike five minutes after the restart.

The equaliser arrived 11 minutes later when Clarke headed home Hodgson's corner and fellow draw specialists Kidderminster left empty-handed after the pair linked up again for the winner.

Clarke is likely to resume his preferred defensive role tomorrow as Barry Conlon is available again after suspension for the long trip to Torquay United.

Quakers are now 16th, seven points adrift of a play-off position, while the Gulls are currently fourth and in the hunt to go up automatically.

They have lost only once at home, so Darlington will have to be at their best to get something from the game.