Bristol Rovers celebrated there first home win of the season, 1-0 against Darlington, only three days after axing manager Ian Atkins.
Richard Walker secured the points with a cross-shot just before half-time but it was a very narrow win bringing with it Darlington's first away defeat.
Care-taker boss Paul Trollope sent Rovers out "to play some football in their half" but the message too some time to get through as high balls were swallowed up by Darlington tall defenders.
Bristol Rovers midfielder Chris Carruthers set up an early chance from the by-line for Junior Agogo but his header was too high.
The game really came to life for the wrong reasons midway through the first half when a bout of feverish Rovers tackles 35 yards out sparked a midfield melee.
When the pushing stopped James Hunt, restored as Rovers captain, was booked for the final tackle on tiny Anthony Peacock.
Carlos Logan bent the free-kick over defenders but its flight was just a shade too straight and close to goalkeeper Scott Shearer.
Twice Darlington defender Shelton Martis went up for corners and almost converted them as defenders failed to pick him up.
Referee Steve Dorr added on three minutes at the end of the half and Rovers scored at the start of the second.
Running on to a through ball Agogo got clear down the left and his strong cross saw Richard Walker drive home his third league goal of the season.
Agogo and Hunt both went close to increasing Bristol Rovers lead in the second half as there game took on a more relaxed feel.
But in the end it was to important tackles by Steve Elliott in the back line which kept Darlington from breaking back in.