Scunthorpe ended a disappointing season by going down to a single goal against fellow strugglers Darlington.
Home boss Brian Laws said afterwards: "We are disappointed not to finish with a win which was something we wanted to do for our supporters. The players are physically and mentally drained.
"We shall be keeping a nucleus of the players for many of them are young and have a lot to learn, but there are areas to be strengthened."Darlington's David Hodgson said: "I'm pleased with the win and now the only way is up and we are looking forward to next season. I would like to thank our fans for our magnificent support this season and especially the 800-plus who backed us today."Darlington's first attack saw them force a corner and from the right Ian Clark's flag kick saw Barry Conlon rise before the home defence to flick a header beyond Tommy Evans in the fifth minute.
The Quakers almost snatched a second goal when Mark Convery moved in from the left to drive in a low ball which Evans just finger tipped round the far post.
Scunthorpe were finding difficulty in stringing together any dangerous moves but Cleveland Taylor gave them some hope when he fired in a left foot shot which Mike Price scrambled away and David McGurk cleared the danger in front of Steve Torpey and Steve MacLean.
On the interval Taylor forced Price to another excellent stop and then Matt Sparrow took the ball into the box but his final touch failed and Price was able to gather cleanly.
Scunthorpe showed more spirit as the second half got underway with Taylor firing wide and then setting up a header which Torpey saw off target.
Top scorer Steve MacLean then saw an effort hit the underside of the bar from Taylor's chip from the left.
Darlington came back and Evans had to go full stretch to save a 20-yard effort from Danny Graham and then from Convery's cross Graham headed against the bar.
Scunthorpe hit back in the closing minutes but were unable to gain any reward with MacLean and Butler both being denied by the woodwork