Lee Thorpe's first-half goal was enough for Darlington to beat Lincoln 1-0 in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy first-round clash.
Thorpe goal wins it for Quakers
Lee Thorpe's first-half goal was enough for Darlington to beat Lincoln 1-0 in their Johnstone's Paint Trophy first-round clash.
Thorpe grabbed the only goal of the game with a close-range volley that left Rob Burch with no chance in the 27th minute to send the Quakers on their way.
Lincoln had enjoyed plenty of possession in the opening stages of the game and they should have gone ahead when Paul Connor was left free inside the six-yard box in the 10th minute, only for a brave block from Darlington keeper David Knight to deny him the Imps man.
Kevin Gall then volleyed narrowly wide for Darlington before Thorpe got his goal by getting on the end of Mark Convery's cross.
Gall could have made it two moments after the break with another volley, while the closest Lincoln came to forcing penalties was a late volley from Danny Hone which flew over the bar.
