By Ross Jeavons

It was a performance full of pace, flair and heart from Paul Lambert's side, making a mockery of the 11-point gap between the two teams.

In truth it was a game that the Chairboys never looked like losing and if it wasn't for an astonishing series of saves from Quakers' keeper David Stockdale, the score line would have been even more flattering.

There was just one change made from the defeat at Lincoln a week previously but it was a brave one from the 'gaffer' , as Neil Lennon was dropped to the bench and Stefan Oakes came into the side.

The first ten minutes were the quietest of the game and as both teams sized each other up, the game had a nervous feel to it.

Perhaps a moment of magic was needed to light up Adams Park on a rather chilly afternoon and it came in the form of Leon Knight.

The ex-Brighton man looked in trouble with his back to goal on the penalty spot, as Darlington defenders pounced on an awkwardly bouncing ball.

However he showed superb agility to rise high and send an unstoppable over head kick bouncing past Stockdale.

It was a strike that Paul Lambert would later say was worthy of the San Siro - a compliment that not many could disagree with.

From then on Wycombe were a revitalised side, leaving Darlington shell-shocked as they surged forward time after time.

Another instinctive run by Leon Knight unleashed Matt Bloomfield, whose stinging shot was just deflected wide of the upright.

'Blooms' put in a trademark display full of ingenuity and just moments later he came even closer to getting on the score sheet.

He faked to shoot before cutting back onto this left foot, bamboozling the Quakers back four and sending another rasping drive towards goal - forcing Stockdale to clear with his feet.

With ten minutes remaining in the first period Leon Knight was the creator once more, floating a ball in towards Scott McGleish who was only denied by another smart save from the goalkeeper.

The drama wasn't over yet as 'Knighty' latched onto a long hoof up field, but found himself dragged down in the box by Steve Foster.

Referee Mr Lee waved play on much to the discontent of the Wanderers support, many of whom felt it was a stonewall penalty.

As the half-time whistle blew the away side perhaps breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to walk down the tunnel with only a one goal deficit to overcome.

Life wasn't  getting any easier for Dave Penney's side in the second period though, as the Blues picked up where they left off.

Five minutes in lovely hold up play by Scott McGleish unleashed Matt Bloomfield, who swung in a wonderful teasing cross that could only have evaded Leon Knight by a matter of inches.

Leon came even closer moments later, sending a superb dipping strike towards goal after a neat first touch on the edge of the area.

It looked to be a certain goal but yet again David Stockdale was up to the task, tipping the ball over the bar in impressive fashion.

Craig Woodman had put in a hard working display down the left hand side and he almost opened his Wycombe account in spectacular fashion.

As the ball fell lose 30 yards from goal the full-back sent a dangerous, swerving half volley towards goal that just bounced wide of the goal.

On the hour mark the returning Stefan Oakes almost completed his come back in style, sending a hallmark left footed strike just wide of the post.

With fifteen minutes remaining Darlington had their most dangerous spell of the game and ex-Aston Villa man Julian Joachim almost bagged an unjust equaliser - but he couldn't quite get his boot on a deflected cross.

Any nerves that were starting to set in to the impressively vocal home support were soon diminished though, thanks to the prolific Scott McGleish.

'Scotty' capped off a tireless performance with a typical poachers goal, charging down a Steve Foster clearance before rounding the hapless keeper and coolly slotting home his 21^st goal of the season.

Mike Williamson was brought on to sure things up but in reality the result was never in any doubt - and the only remaining action came as Leon Knight was rightly announced man of the match.

The full time whistle brought to a close a quite glorious display from Paul Lambert's side and although results may not have gone their way - their promotion rivals will now surely be looking over their shoulders.

Relegation threatened Wrexham lie in wait on Tuesday evening and they will certainly be a different type of threat to that posed by the Quakers.

That being the case, a repeat of today's heroics from the Wanderers would surely seal another three points.

Wycombe: Fielding, Martin, Johnson, McCracken, Woodman, Holt, Doherty, Oakes (Sutton 88), Bloomfield (Williamson 88), Knight (Bullock 90), McGleish.
Subs Not Used: Lennon, Young.

Booked: Bloomfield.

Goals: Knight 24, McGleish 84.

Darlington: Stockdale, Valentine, Foster, Miller, Parker, Kennedy, Ravenhill (Purdie 46), Hodge (Gall 67), Abbott, Joachim, Blundell (Ndumbu-Nsungu 76).
Subs Not Used: Austin, Liversidge.

Booked: Ravenhill, Valentine, Ndumbu-Nsungu.

Att: 5,185

Ref: Ray Lee (Essex)