Any worries that the lack of football in recent weeks had left Darlington looking rusty were unfounded as Quakers marched on to another away win and yet another clean sheet. Dave Penney's men have now kept fourteen clean sheets in nineteen games and have started their festive fixtures in the best possible way. After two recent postponements Quakers had not been in action for nearly three weeks but showed no loss of momentum as they recorded their second successive 4-0 win on their travels.

In truth Lincoln were far from poor. The Imps have improved under new manager Peter Jackson and it would be a surprise to see them amongst the relegation fodder come the end of the season however Quakers were clinical on the break and used their possession to great effect. Lincoln tested keeper David Stockdale on more than a couple of occasions but Darlington underlined the difference between the two sides with some quality goals.

The host enjoyed a bright start to the game with Dany N'Guessan causing a few early problems. In the opening minutes of the game he won a free-kick on the edge of the area and from the resulting set-piece headed the ball downwards forcing Stockdale into a good save. Lewis Dodds then headed a good chance over the bar and whilst Lincoln were still reflecting on the missed opportunity Quakers took the lead at the opposite end. Lee Ridley slipped the ball through to Richie Foran down the left flank and he calmly side stepped the ball past the Imps keeper from a tight angle.

Stockdale made a vital collection from N'Guessan's low cross on twenty-four minutes but the visitors continued to look sharp on the break. Six minutes later N'Guessan was involved again. A Clark Keltie corner was headed back across goal by a Lincoln City defender and N'Guessan handled under little pressure. Keltie stepped up and rammed the ball home to double Quakers' advantage. Stockdale continued to be tested and a Paul Green free-kick was expertly tipped over the bar but despite the Imp's efforts the margin between the two sides continued to grow, and in some style.

In first half injury time Micky Cummins scored to complete an excellent passing move between himself and Gregg Blundell. On the left wing the pair exchanged three passes which took Cummins into Lincoln's penalty area before he riffled home from six yards out. The scoreline was somewhat harsh on a hardworking Lincoln side however Quakers were ruthlessly efficient in front of goal and deserved their commanding half time lead.

Five minutes into the second half Cummins notched again to put the result beyond any doubt. Julian Joachim's pin point cross into the penalty area was met by Cummins who planted a firm header over the keeper. Darlington were rarely troubled afterwards and gave run outs to players returning from injury. Pawel Abbott and Neil Austin both climbed off the bench and the forward nearly scored. The former Huddersfield man closed down the Imps keeper and the clearance bounced off the forward and hit the side netting.

Shortly afterwards on loan defender Ian Miller was called upon for a appearance from the subs bench. With both Alan White and Steve Foster on four bookings and therefore the verge of suspension, Penney took the opportunity of withdrawing Foster to ensure that no needless bookings were picked up. Late in the game Abbott raced cleared but Ben Smith produced a smart block to deny Darlington a fifth goal.

Lincoln City: Smith, Green, Bencherif, Hone, Beevers, N'Guessan, Frecklington, Kerr (Hand 55), Dodds (Warlow 55), Forrester, Stallard (John-Lewis 54). Subs: Marriott, Moses, Hand, Warlow, John-Lewis.

Darlington: Stockdale, Purdie, Foster (Miller 77), White, Ridley, Blundell (Austin 73), Cummins, Keltie, Wright (Abbott 66), Joachim, Foran. Subs: Oakes, McBride, Austin, Miller, Abbott.

Lincoln bookings: None.

Darlington bookings: Cummins.

Goals: Foran 11th min (1-0), Keltie 32nd min (pen)(2-0), Cummins 45th min (3-0), Cummins 51st min (4-0).

Kevin Luff