Darlington gained a creditable draw thanks to a much improved performance that saw them pick up their first league point in their last nine games.
It has been a difficult time for all at the Reynolds Arena as the Quakers have plummeted from a mid-table position to second bottom in the league.
But Darlington's problems are nothing compared to the plight of Lincoln, who have had a most traumatic week following illness to popular manager Keith Alexander.
The Lincoln boss collapsed at his home on Tuesday evening and remains in a serious condition following operations on a brain haemorrhage.
So as the game kicked off, football was of secondary importance to the visitors and they should be congratulated for their professionalism.
Neither side could break the deadlock in a close encounter that had moments of drama. The visitors were very much on top in the first half and they tested Darlington's debutante goalkeeper Ross Turnbull on a number of occasions.
The on-loan England under-21 international came to his side's rescue to deny Gary Fletcher in the 26th minute and then in the 40th minute Turnbull watched as a shot from distance from Richard Liburd went narrowly over his crossbar.
Then, in the dying seconds of the half, Turnbull was well positioned to deny Francis Green.
Darlington's first shot on target came two minutes into the second half. A header from midfielder Clark Keltie was well saved by City keeper Alan Marriott.
Turnbull was called into action again a minute later when he superbly finger tipped an effort from Fletcher over the crossbar.
In the 50th minute, Simon Yeo fired straight at the Darlington keeper and then his snapshot from Liburd again went over the bar.
But Darlington rallied and they almost snatched victory thanks to a rousing finale. In the 75th minute, Marriott saved well from Barry Conlon, and then the Darlington striker was inches wide with a shot from 15 yards that drifted past a post.
Five minutes from time, Conlon should have grabbed a winner when he got onto the end of a Neil Wainwright cross but sent his header narrowly over the bar.