THERE must be less discomforting ways to motivate the players than relying on the opposition going three up.

If Darlington can perform like they did in the final ten minutes on Saturday, the league table may well have a whole new look to it.

It wasn't until Boston's Lee Thompson claimed his hat-trick that Darlington really started to have a go at the league newcomers, who celebrated their first away win in professional football.

To make matters worse for Darlington, skipper Craig Liddle is expected to be out of action for at least a couple of weeks following a clash with Pilgrims' substitute Stuart Douglas, which left the ex-Middlesbrough man needing stitches to a thigh injury.

Liddle said: "I think it was a bad challenge. It's ripped the wound open again. I've had six stitches but it's the calf stitch which is going to take time to heal which is not too good. I'm hoping to get back in a couple of weeks."

Boston, who began the season on minus four points - a punishment imposed by the FA for financial irregularities - had scored just three goals on their travels prior to Saturday's game and Liddle was understandably disappointed with the result.

He added: "They're not a very good side. We expected to take three points and obviously didn't. It was a mistake for the first goal when they caught us asleep and obviously the second and third goal I haven't seen."

Stuart Whitehead, rated doubtful before the game after picking up a hamstring strain against Bury last week, was a surprise inclusion as Quakers' boss Tommy Taylor opted for a flat back four with Matt Clarke having to settle for a place on the bench.

It was Quakers who made the brighter start and Barry Conlon was presented with a chance after just two minutes when he latched on to Stuart Whitehead's through ball but Paul Bastock was alert in the Boston goal and bravely saved at the Irishman's feet.

Highly-rated youngster Adam Rundle then used his trickery to find Ian Clark on the edge of the Boston box but the former Hartlepool man's attempted lob was easily dealt with by Bastock.

Quakers continued to dominate but despite enjoying large periods of possession their final ball was poor and they were made to pay when Thompson fired the visitors in front after 25 minutes

Ryan Valentine misjudged a harmless looking cross-field ball and Thompson, on-loan from Sheffield United, composed himself before placing his shot superbly past Andy Collett from 25-yards.

It should have been all square five minutes before half time when Whitehead wasted a glorious chance, dragging his shot wide from an angle with just the 'keeper to beat.

Quakers continued to press in search of an equaliser and Conlon came within inches of scoring when his outstretched boot just failed to connect with Mark Ford's cross.

After a scrappy start to the second half Darlington almost levelled when Liddle headed straight at Bastock from Neil Maddison's inswinging free- kick.

Moments later Liddle limped out of the action and ten-man Quakers had to reshuffle with Maddison dropping back

However, they soon found themselves two down as Neil Thompson's side took full advantage of the extra man, Thompson tapping in from close range after good work from Jamie Cook.

The goal was greeted with boos from the home crowd, many of whom decided enough was enough and made their way for the exits.

Worse was to follow as Neil Wainwright was stretchered off with concussion after he was elbowed on the side of the head.

Thompson then completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute when unmarked he slotted home former Quaker Mark Angel's cross.

Clark pulled back what looked like a consolation goal in the 85th minute before Conlon ensured a frantic finale with the goal of the game.

The former Southend striker swivelled around his marker on the edge of the area before lifting the ball over Bastock to give Quakers a glimmer of hope.

The biggest roar of the day came when the fourth official showed four minutes of added time - but it wasn't enough for the Quakers.

Result: Darlington 2 Boston United 3.

Read more about the Quakers here.