Shrewsbury Town twice came from behind to force a draw - finally securing a point as late as the 85th minute.
But right up to the final whistle the home side were playing exciting football and creating chances only to be denied time and again by the heroics of Darlington goalkeeper Sam Russell.
Twice the visitors had their noses in front, leading at the break through a Gaetano Giallanza goal and moving ahead for a second time through substitute Neil Wainwright, with a Michael Symes equaliser sandwiched in-between.
For the last 20 minutes Shrewsbury laid siege to the Darlington goal, although it looked certain a top-class exhibition of goalkeeping from Russell would ultimately deny the hosts a share of the spoils.
But with five minutes remaining Russell was beaten from the penalty spot by the equally impressive Ben Davies to ensure Shrewsbury gained a point for their efforts, which was the very least they deserved.
On the back of successive 3-0 away wins, Shrewsbury began in confident fashion as Symes and the ever-lively Derek Asamoah both went close to an early breakthrough, before a 16th-minute offside flag ruled out an effort from midfielder Stewart Drummond.
Against the run of play, Giallanza put the Quakers ahead on 29 minutes, turning the ball home at the far post after Shrewsbury failed to clear a Craig James corner.
Before the break Asamoah had three more efforts as Shrewsbury pushed hard for a leveller and they continued to press following the restart, deservedly drawing level in the 64th minute when Symes headed home a cross from half-time substitute Dave Edwards.
But they were only on level terms for three minutes before Darlington substitute Wainwright announced his arrival by scoring with a deflected shot.
The hosts then threw everything they had into finding an equaliser and, after numerous close calls, Davies went crashing under a challenge from James before netting himself with the ensuing spot-kick.
In the time that remained Shrewsbury created four more chances, but due to the excellence of Russell and some desperate defending, victory was to elude them - but recognition from the Gay Meadow crowd for a fine display did not.
Home manager Gary Peters said: "The results we are getting are mostly down to grit, determination and hard work, and hard work is what we do best.
"We still need to be able to keep hold of the ball and pass it better. I think we can still step things up and play better."
Darlington boss David Hodgson was also a happy man, remarking: "I have no qualms with the lads and we have proved what we're capable of.
"The players responded well after the disappointment of losing at Reading on penalties in the week, but I think the performance there gave us a lot of belief."