Having matched their opponents for nigh on 20 minutes the Reds were sunk by three quick goals in a 13 minute spell, and despite creating numerous chances trailed 0-3 at the interval.

An early second half goal gave Alfreton hope, but further misses cost them dearly with Darlington wrapping up the tie in added time.

The opening goal on 19 minutes saw Jack Lambert's angled drive just evade the outstretched hands of Reds' keeper George Willis after Daniel Dodds and Jacob Hazel had combined on the right flank.

Ben Hedley's goal on the half-hour was a combination of poor defending and a complete fluke of a cross from wide left that curled in at the back post.

Two minutes later it was all too easy for the hosts when Jarrett Rivers slotted home following a strong central run by Hazel.

However with the score at 1-0 home keeper Tommy Taylor had crucially tipped over a stinging drive by Danny Preston and close to the interval Bailey Hobson inexplicably blazed over when it looked easier to score and Josh Clackstone had a low drive blocked.

Five minutes after the restart Alfreton did manage to find the net through Dayle Southwell after Clackstone's high cross had been played back into the area, and almost immediately afterwards Matt Rhead looped a header on to the bar.

Alfreton's task became tougher when Adam Lund was shown a red card after a tackle on Hedley with 15 minutes remaining, but they kept working hard and a better finish by Jordan Thewlis after sprinting with the ball from the halfway line may have produced a more favourable outcome.

Deep into added time Lambert claimed his brace and Darlington's fourth with a low left-footed drive in front of the home fans.

ALFRETON: Willis; Clackstone, Preston [Southwell h/t], Lund, McGrath [Butterfield 60],
Wiley, Thewlis, Branson, Rhead [Denton 79], Cantrill, Hobson.
other subs: Salam, Askew.

Referee: Dane McCarrick
Attendance: 931