THE words of Darlington captain Craig Liddle after Monday night's last home game of the season held much more significance for Quakers fans than the action on the field.

Plymouth Argyle celebrated winning the Division Three title after their 4-1 victory at Feethams, while the home fans reflected on what sounded like a farewell speech by Liddle.

The accomplished defender dropped the broadest of hints that he may leave the club in the summer by thanking the fans for their support and wishing the club luck for next season.

On the pitch, the Pilgrims were physically too strong for their hosts, who were never allowed enough possession to threaten the visitors' defence.

Micky Evans put Argyle ahead after just ten minutes and Marino Keith added a second seven minutes later.

The game was virtually over when Keith scored again after 28 minutes, although Ian Clark gave Quakers some hope when he converted a penalty six minutes later.

But there was no way back after Jason Bent made it 4-1 early in the second half.

It was a disappointing way for Darlington to end their home programme, especially after Saturday's revenge win over Scunthorpe United.

Tommy Taylor's men were left smarting by a 7-1 thrashing after having two players sent off at Scunthorpe in November.

But the pain of that defeat was soothed as they severely dented the Iron's promotion play-off hopes with a 2-1 victory.

Quakers went ahead after 34 minutes when Clark was fouled in the area and put away the penalty himself.

After soaking up some Scunthorpe pressure at the start of the second half, Darlington increased their lead when Mark Sheeran set up Clark to score his second of the match after 73 minutes.

Martin Carruthers pulled one back for the visitors with just seconds of normal time remaining, but Quakers held on for the three points.

Darlington complete a season of turmoil with a visit to Oxford United tomorrow.