Quakers gave their confidence a boost on Tuesday night when they beat York City 4-0 at Bootham Crescent in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy.

Young striker David McMahon was the star, scoring one goal and being tripped for the penalty which opened the scoring. The spot kick was converted by Stuart Elliott.

Richard Hodgson added a second a minute later, then came McMahon's well-taken third after the break. Defender Craig Liddle completed the scoring after 69 minutes.

The goal rush was a contrast to Saturday's abysmal display at Feethams when Rochdale ran out 2-1 winners. The defence gave away two bad goals while the forwards, when not being caught offside, showed little invention.

Dale's first goal was controversial. The linesman flagged for a foul with Darlington in possession, but, as all the players stopped, the referee waved play on and the visitors reacted the quicker for Tony Ellis to whack home a 20-yard shot.

Quakers improved slightly after the break with the introduction of Hodgson on the left and it was the lively substitute who equalised after 55 minutes with a sharp volley.

But when the hard-working Brian Atkinson went off injured on the hour, Quakers sagged and after 77 minutes Rochdale scored the winner when they broke down the right and the overlapping Wayne Evans was left completely unmarked to fire in a low cross which was deflected into his own net by Martin Gray.

Quakers have a crucial game tomorrow when they make the long trip to Plymouth Argyle, who are level on points with Darlington.

They then take on Shrewsbury at Feethmas on Tuesday in the LDV Vans Trophy second round and a week tomorrow Darlington are at home to table-topping Chesterfield.

Manager Gary Bennett is hoping to provide cover in the centre of defence by signing Dean Walling from Doncaster.