Bury's poor away form continued but, against promotion-chasing Darlington, Chris Casper's side were always going to be up against it.
Surprisingly, and despite the scoreline, the visitors probably had as many chances as their hosts. The difference was in the finishing and Darlington were at their best.
In the 12th minute, an even better chance fell to Bury when Andy Bishop cut the ball back for Nicky Adams, who fired straight at the Darlington keeper from a good position. Seconds later, Darlington opened the scoring when the Bury defence was breached.
Quakers winger Richie Foran sent over a cross from the left and top-scorer Tommy Wright strode between the two static defenders before firing past Jim Provett.
Darlington took control and, in the 21st minute, Provett conceded a corner when denying Julian Joachim and from the resulting kick the home side increased their advantage.
60 seconds later defender Ian Miller fired in from close range after connecting with Clark Keltie's corner.
Bury tried to respond and, in the 32nd minute, Bishop fired narrowly wide after a quick turn had wrong-footed Darlington captain Steve Foster. The visitors needed to get something out of the game and the next goal would prove to be important.
In the 53rd minute Adams sent over a deep cross from the right and Glynn Hurst looked certain to score when unmarked at the far post.
Hurst somehow put his header wide of the post and the visitors were made to pay minutes later when Darlington sealed the three points.
In the 58th minute Darlington defender Paul Mayo, signed on-loan from Notts County on Friday, marked his debut with a goal. Pawel Abbott sent Mayo into the area and, from 15 yards out, his low shot appeared to deceive Bury keeper Provett.
Darlington could have increased their advantage three minutes later when Abbott raced clear and, with Foran in support, he elected to shoot rather than pass and put his shot wide of the target.