An unbelievable refereeing display arguably cost Darlington a 7-1 thrashing at Scunthrope on Saturday.

Paul Alcock, who was deemed not good enough to referee in the Premiership and relegated to the Nationwide leagues, bemused Barry Conlon by sending him off for use of the elbow.

The Irish striker was astonished as everybody else in Glanford Park just a minute after Martin Carruthers had given the hosts the lead.

The home side scored a second goal in the 21st minute. Peter Beagrie's cross was headed in by Stephen Torpey.

Ten minutes later Beagrie scored from the penalty spot, and if the games outcome wasn't already decided at this point, it certainly was two minutes later when Mark Ford saw red for fouling Lee Hodges.

Despite appearing to have won the ball, Alcock deemed the challenge worthy of a sending off.

Assistant manager Mick Tait entered the field of play to remonstrate with Alcock but was quickly despatched to the stands as the referee refused to discuss his controversial decision.

In first half injury time Beagrie set up another goal, Carruthers robbing Andy Collet from Beagrie's cross.

At half-time Tommy Taylor contemplated not letting his side return to the field for the second half after a string of questionable decisions.

However, they did return after the interval to concede three more.

Gareth Sheldon, Torpey and Richard Kell all got on the score sheet but there was some reward for hard working Quakers when Dan Chillingworth scored his first goal for the club.

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