New signing Robert Snodgrass was on the bench for the first time and there was another start for Fabian Delph.
United's first attempt at goal came from Showunmi but the striker lifted the ball high and wide, whilst Alan Sheehan fired wide from a free kick after Beckford was brought down.
David Prutton tested the keeper moments later but his low shot was easy for the keeper to collect.
With the game showing little excitement, the frustration seemed not only with the fans but the players too, Beckford getting pushy with Neil Austin.
Darlington gave it a go moments later with a decent spell of possesion. Paul Evans fired his free kick wide and Clayton Fortune did the same with his header.
The game gained a little life at the start of the second half, Rui Marques going close from a Robinson corner before Darlington responded through Adam Griffin only for Frazer Richardson to block twice.
Shortly before the hour mark there was a first appearance for Snodgrass when he replaced Showunmi, Fabian Delph also coming off for Bradley Johnson.
The young Scot had his first opportunity minutes later but his header was off target.
Robinson and Beckford had late chances which came to nothing to finish a night most fans would have been glad to be over.
Leeds United: Ankergren, Richardson, Huntington, Marques, Sheehan, Prutton, Howson, Delph, Robinson, Showunmi, Beckford.
Subs used: Johnson, Snodgrass.
Darlington: Kazimierczak, Austin, Fortune, White, Foster, Kennedy, Ravenhill, Poole, Griffin, Proudlock, Evans.
Referee: Eddie Ilderton.