In a season of low points, Darlington endured another dismal day at Blackwell Meadows when they lost to the only team below them in the table.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bishop’s Stortford, leaving Quakers eight points from safety and becoming the only team the Blues have beaten away from home this season. 

Furthermore, the visitors had a man sent off with half an hour to play, but Josh Gowling’s side hardly laid a glove on them and frustrated fans delivered their verdict at full-time.

Fans in the Tin Shed booed Gowling when he walked onto the pitch, though many supporters had left long before full-time having seen more than enough of another poor performance.

Stortford’s two first-half goals secured the victory which came after making a strong start, pinning Quakers back in their half, and it did not take them long to open the scoring.

Shortly after Zain Walker’s header had hit outside of a post, Ryan Charles ran onto a through-ball and kept his composure to lob onrushing goalkeeper Tommy Taylor.

Gowling’s men finally threatened with 18 minutes on the clock when the recalled Cameron Salkeld burst down the left. He pulled the ball back for Will Hatfield but goalkeeper Jack Giddens blocked at close-range.

Darlington’s Blaine Rowe was fortunate to escape unpunished when his error gave away possession on halfway, allowing Darren Foxley to race away but he lashed a low shot wide.

But Bishop’s ended the half by doubling their lead, Serigne Sow stabbing home after a corner, making the most of Darlington’s weak attempts to clear the danger.

Half-time saw emotions spill over as the players headed for the changing room, with Quakers’ Taylor exchanging words with a supporter. 

However, there was no great improvement after the break, with Stortford keeping Quakers’ at bay.

Referee Matthew McQuillan sent off Walker for a challenge on Rowe, a surprising decision which handed Darlington a lifeline with half an hour to go.

Despite the one-man advantage, Darlington were slow in possession and hardly threatened in the closing stages.

Giddens pushed over a piledriver from Toby Lees, and substitute Jarrett Rivers saw a shot clip the top of the crossbar, but that was as good as it got and after the final whistle Gowling was booed by fans who fear relegation in 2024.