Darlington's season hit a new low as Chesterfield harshly reminded them of what life at the top used to be like.

Fans have argued since the start of the season that this Darlington side isn't good enough, and the stark reality hit everybody.

One Chesterfield player remarked that the game was like "men against boys" and, apart from the first half hour, he was spot on.

And when the heat was turned up on chairman George Reynolds, he was quick to leave the ground, deciding he was better off at home.

There's plenty of determination but there isn't enough experience, skill, inventiveness, and above all, not enough quality in this Darlington team.

But what can you expect when the side contains raw youngsters who are in their first full season, and are part of a club in turmoil?

It is crystal clear that this team have a fight against relegation on their hands, after collecting just eight points out of the last 42.

They might be nine points clear of Carlisle, but they still have the Cumbrians and fellow strugglers Exeter to play away from home. Fortunately, at the same time Carlisle were snatching a point at Hartlepool on Saturday, second bottom Exeter conceded a winner at Torquay.

Manager Gary Bennett admitted afterwards that the players were "flat" and wouldn't divulge the reasons why.

But shouts of "there's only Neil Aspin" suggested that the fans have serious doubts over the circumstances of the latest saga at the club, and around 50 fans stayed in the Tin Shed for 20 minutes after the final whistle to make their feelings known.

Certainly morale was low before the game, which was surprising considering Quakers were unbeaten in three matches going into it.

Bennett and public relations director Luke Raine spoke of bringing in three new players this week to strengthen the squad, but much depends on their quality. There is much to be said for introducing youngsters, but it is experience the team are crying out for.

Bennett was a disconsolate figure following the fifth home defeat in the last seven league games at Feethams. But what can he do?

He has to work within tight constraints, and if players suffer injuries, then he has to shuffle his pack and cross his fingers. Bennett is no better off than predecessors Dave Booth, Paul Futcher or Billy McEwan - and that's a travesty, considering the expectations of a year ago.

"The players were flat," conceded Bennett. "I know the reasons why, but they're something we won't go into.

"If you compare the squad to last season, then there is a vast difference. Last season, there were over 30 pros, this season there are just 20.

"Last year, we had competition for places all over the pitch. We know what the situation is, and we've got to work within it. The chairman has said that he put £2m into the club last season, and he's not going to do it again. I can understand that point of view.

"We need three players in the squad, just to increase the numbers. If we pick up one or two injuries among the professionals, then we have to rely on the YTS lads."

A section of fans chanted for Bennett's dismissal - although not as vociferously as the chants towards chairman George Reynolds - and Bennett said: "I don't like losing games, just like the fans. I can understand their frustration, but I can only work with what I've got."

Bennett's view of the game was much the same as everybody else's.

"For the first half hour, I thought we matched Chesterfield. After they scored, our confidence went a little bit, but even at 1-0, I thought we would still have a chance. But when the second goal went in, we were always chasing the game."

Quakers settled into the game better than Chesterfield, and nearly took the lead, when a low cross from Martin Gray sailed over Mike Pollitt's head, and glanced off the bar.

The game turned after 33 minutes. Rob Edwards, part of a five- man midfield which slowly took a grip on the game, got round the back of the defence on the left, and crossed for David Reeves to head in.

The league leaders missed two more chances through Sean Parrish and Luke Beckett, before they were awarded a penalty two minutes before half time.

Referee Trevor Parkes decided that Kilty fouled Reeves and pointed to the spot, but Andy Collett pulled off a diving save to push the ball against the post.

But the relief was only short-lived, because within a minute Ryan Williams crossed from the right for Parrish to sidefoot home.

The crowd's reaction was instant, and loud cries were directed towards Reynolds.

The second half saw plenty of commitment from Darlington, but Chesterfield always had the edge.

But as the second half wore on, the crowd's comments towards Reynolds increased, and midway through the half, he left his seat and headed out of the ground.

He missed Chesterfield's third goal, a left-foot shot by Jamie Ingledow which rebounded off the bar for Lawrie Dudfield to score