STEVE Watson felt Darlington got what they deserved after a late Cedric Main goal put Quakers in the hat for the FA Trophy third round.

Quakers steadily improved as the game went on against Buxton at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday.

Their National League North rivals, who beat them in the league at Silverlands in August, had the better of the first 20 minutes, but Steve Watson’s side steadily took control to clinch a place in the last 64.

“I thought we deserved to win the game on the balance of the 90 minutes,” said Watson.

“It was quite open in the first half and Buxton probably had the better chances, but we addressed a few things at half time. We needed to be more positive and have that extra bit of quality.

“We easily had double figures in terms of shots on target in the second half. We had shots blocked, their keeper pulled off a couple of good saves, so we were knocking on the door.

“But what was good, was that we kept going, we kept being positive, and we got our rewards in the end.

“The two subs, who came on, Matty Cornish and Caden Kelly, had a really positive impact. I was delighted for Caden, because it’s not been easy for him.

“It was a terrific performance and a lot of good individual performances. All in all, I’m really happy.”

Buxton were denied by a double save by Pete Jameson from Connor Kirby and Diego De Girolamo in the opening minutes following a corner, then Ethan Fitzhugh forced the keeper to his knees to save an effort from the edge of the box.

But the Bucks seemed to lose their rhythm when their defender Finn Delap went off injured, and Quakers started to find theirs.

Before half time, Main forced a good save out of True Grant from the edge of the area, then Jack Maskell missed from a few yards off a teasing cross by Main.

Jameson pulled off a good save from Fitzhugh at the start of the second half, but after that the visitors faded and Quakers created a string of chances.

Main couldn’t quite control Ali Alshabeeb’s pass in the area in a dangerous position, then sub Matty Cornish almost scored with his first touch, a curling shot from 20 yards.

Will Flint, who had an outstanding game in midfield, sent Cameron Salkeld running through but the keeper blocked well.

Main had a shot on the turn blocked on the line, then Grant saved well from Kelly after the Sunderland loanee had cut in from the left. Main headed a left wing cross wide, then Kelly sidefooted straight at Grant after Cornish played him in.

But with the dreaded penalties looming, Quakers scored a late goal for the second time in four days.

Hatfield picked the ball up in midfield, sprinted 50 yards forward and found Main just inside the area. He sidestepped two defenders to create space for himself, and then fired right footed into the top corner past a stranded Grant.

Quakers, who have loaned out defender Joe Leesley to Worksop, are now in the draw with the National League clubs, and a possible local derby with holders Gateshead, Hartlepool, Spennymoor, Stockton or York.