Chris Turner kept the same eleven that impressed against Mansfield. That meant a start for much sought after Michael Raynes.
James Spencer retained his place despite coming under criticism from some quarters for the goals conceded on Saturday.
Darlington boss, David Hodgson had a full strength squad to choose from including; summer signing David Duke who had missed the disappointing draw against Rushden through suspension.
County started the brighter creating a number of chances, the first coming from Danny Boshell and then his midfield partner Mickael Wolski who both produced outstanding 25 yard drives.
There was some bad news for County moment's later when Michael Raynes came off injured with a suspected hamstring injury. That meant an early appearance for Ross Greenwood, with Robert Clare reverting to his preferred role of centre back.
Despite this, County continued to look the better team and on the 20th minute Tes Bramble headed just wide from a Harpal Singh corner.
County went close just 2 minutes later when Danny Boshell missed a good ball from Mark Robinson and the former Oldham man shot just over, although he should have done better.
At the other end James Spencer looked more confident than he did on Saturday, when on the few opportunities Darlington attacked the County goal he claimed the ball with real confidence, a boost for the County defence.
However, it was Darlington who finally breached the deadlock during the run off play. Shelton Martis crossed from the right wing and former Man City player, Carlos Logan was able to convert from six yards out. It was unfortunate for County who had certainly been the better team.
Since the goal, Darlington stepped up the pace and Carlos Logan nearly scored a duplicate of the first, when the Darlington man easily beat Ross Greenwood but Spencer produced a fine save.
County to their credit created good chances as well and Jermaine Easter, the hero on Saturday came close when he got on the end of a Briggs cross, but he couldn't get enough power on his shot.
On the stroke of half time Harpal Singh produced a trademark run into the box and it took a last gasp Matthew Clarke tackle to stop the former Leeds man from pulling the scores level.
County went agonisingly close to equalising shortly after the break when Bramble struck a rasping shot from just inside the area but the shot went agonisingly wide.
In the 86th minute Adam Le Fondre had a one-on-one chance to equalise. He tried to put the ball under the keepers body, but Russell made a good save.
To rub salt into the wounds Darlington secured the points in the dying moments when Akpo Sodje beat James Spencer with a beautifully flicked header from a Neil Wainwright cross.
For all County's pressure they never really tested the home goalkeeper and if they had been more clinical in front of goal, the game could of been wrapped up in the first half against a very average Darlington side.
Darlington: Sam Russell, Shelton Martis (David Duke, 51) , Jonathan Hutchinson, Matthew Clarke, Ryan Valentine, Neil Wainwright, Matthew Appleby, Jonjo Dickman, Carlos Logan (Akpo Sodje, 73), Clyde Wijnhard (Anthony Peacock, 83), Simon Johnson.Subs not used: Guylian Ndumbu-Nsungu, Adrian Webster
Goals: Carlos Logan, 29, Akpo Sodje, 90
Booked: Matthew Clarke 21, Ryan Valentine 49
County: James Spencer, Robert Clare, Mark Robinson, Ashley Williams, Michael Raynes (Ross Greenwood, 14) Mark Robinson, Keith Briggs, Mickael Wolski (Matthew Hamshaw 61), Danny Boshell, Harpal Singh, Tesfaye Bramble, Jermaine Easter (Adam Le Fondre 61).
Subs not used: Matt Duke, Michael Malcolm
Booked: Keith Briggs 49, Tesfaye Bramble 61, Ashley Williams 68, Danny Boshell 83
Referee: K Wright
Att: 4,371
