IT may still be early days, but Darlington's impressive 3-0 victory over in-form Leyton Orient at Feethams on Tuesday night will surely strengthen hopes that the Quakers can mount a serious promotion challenge this season.

The performance was the perfect antidote to Saturday's disappointing 2-1 defeat at Torquay United and pushed Quakers into seventh place, only three points behind leaders Rochdale.

It will also have boosted confidence ahead of tomorrow's home meeting with rock bottom Exeter City, a game which manager Gary Bennett will see as a real chance to keep his charges among the Division Three pace-setters.

He must have feared that failings in front of goal would again cost Quakers dear on Tuesday when Mark Ford saw his penalty saved and other clear chances were spurned.

But Barry Conlon was on target just before half-time to ease any anxiety and Darlington were firmly in control after a superb goal by Paul Heckingbottom midway through the second half.

The left back, making only his second start of the season after recovering from injury, began the move deep in his own half and finished expertly after a series of passes with Mark Convery and Danny Mellanby.

Substitute Steve Harper rounded things off by robbing Orient keeper Scott Barrett to make it 3-0 four minutes from time.

Darlington had returned empty handed from their long trip to Torquay, despite Ford putting them ahead with a tremendous volley five minutes after the break.

Simon Betts conceded a penalty after 76 minutes, converted by Alex Russell, before Quakers suffered the heartbreak of a last minute goal by Mark Nicholls.

Tomorrow's home clash with the Grecians is followed by a trip to Macclesfield Town on Tuesday.