THE linesman's flag proved crucial as Quakers lost their unbeaten home record to league newcomers Kidderminster Harriers on Tuesday night.

Darlington saw two efforts disallowed for offside, and were convinced that Harriers' opening goal should have been flagged.

Quakers made a bright start with left-winger Richard Hodgson and new loan signing Thomas Butler, from Sunderland, prominent. Lee Nogan netted from close range, but the linesman's flag was up. Harriers, always quick on the break, then sliced through the home defence for John Durnin to score after 35 minutes.

Durnin made it two seconds after the interval when his hopeful chip was misjudged by Quakers' keeper Andy Collett.

Glenn Naylor pulled a goal back with a low header after 65 minutes, his fourth goal of the season, and repeated the feat minutes later only to be ruled offside.

In a bad-tempered finale, Stuart Elliott was sent off for elbowing Durnin, and there were reports of an incident in the tunnel involving Durnin and Quakers' captain Martin Gray after the game.

On Saturday, Gary Bennett's side had easily beaten lowly Torquay United 2-0 at Feethams.

They took an early lead when Naylor flicked in Elliott's shot, and made the points safe after the interval when another Elliott effort was again deflected home by Nogan.

Quakers travel to Scunthorpe United tomorrow, while on Tuesday night they play at Cardiff City.