THE Darlington curse struck again for Stanley as they lost their first home league game of the season.

The Reds did not pick up a point against the Quakers last season and the trend continued in the new campaign.

Tommy Wright headed home in the 25th minute before their £100,000 record signing Pawel Abbott stroked the ball home just after the break and the striker added a penalty at the death.

Manager John Coleman was dejected: "I am disappointed, the players are disappointed as it wasn't good enough. We are capable of competing with clubs like Darlington but we can't defend like that and waste chances like that.

"We have got to keep up the levels we have achieved so far this season."

The Reds were wasteful in front of goal with Lee McEvilly the major culprit although both midfielders Jay Harris and Andy Procter had strong games and both came close to getting on the scoresheet.

Stanley's next game is at Lincoln on Saturday although the reserves are at home to Chester on Wednesday (ko 7pm).