A WONDERFUL second-half fightback - and a wonder goal by susbstitute Stuart Elliott - gave Quakers a giant-killing victory over Nottingham Forest of the First Division on Wednesday.

With the scores level at 2-2 after the first leg of the Worthington Cup first round tie, Quakers' below-strength side fell behind after nine minutes through Stern John.

But the introduction of Elliott at half-time pepped Darlington up and Gary Bennett's side stunned the City Ground crowd after 74 minutes when Paul Campbell finished off a good move with a firm header.

With five minutes to go, Elliott won the match. Veteran Forest keeper Dave Beasant cleared the ball to Elliott in the centre circle, and he volleyed it straight back into the empty net. The win booked Quakers a two-leg second round encounter with Bradford City of the Premiership.

On Saturday, Quakers extended their unbeaten league run to five games but had to be content with a share of the spoils with York City in a scrappy 1-1 draw at a blustery Feethams.

Both the goals came in the opening ten minutes. First, former Feethams favourite Peter Duffield was brought down by home keeper Andy Collett as he chased a through ball. Duffield picked himself up to score from the spot.

Two minutes later, Darlington were level. Anton Kaak rose to head home a corner for his second goal in as many games.

But Quakers, already without centre-half Neil Aspin, lost their way after Kaak went off injured after 30 minutes. Veteran midfielder Steve Agnew began to run the game for the Minstermen, while Gary Bennett's side struggled with their passing game in the conditions.

Nevertheless, Quakers could have won, hitting the bar three times with long-range efforts, but the best chance fell to York minutes from the end, but Agnew could only shoot weakly at Collett from eight yards.

Tomorrow, Quakers travel to Shrewsbury Town, while on Tuesday they are away again, at Cheltenham Town.

l The game at Nottingham Forest was refereed by Matt Messias of Thirsk, featured in the D&S Times last month. The Forest side featured former Feethams favourite Robert Blake.