Darlington seal comfortable win at Bishop Auckland

Darlington seal comfortable win at Bishop Auckland

An own goal and a Leon Scott strike gave the Quakers their second win of pre-season at former home H...

An own goal and a Leon Scott strike gave the Quakers their second win of pre-season at former home Heritage Park.

The home defence failed to deal with a cross midway through the first half that led to their left back heading into his own net.

Leon Scott then doubled the lead after the break firing home at the second attempt.

Martin Gray fielded a strong starting eleven that included new signings Dom Collins and James Caton, with three trialists on the bench.

Josh Gillies had the first real chance of the match, but scuffed his shot wide of the far post.

An error by Liam Marrs gave Bishop the chance to break, but they failed to capitalise leaving Bartlett untroubled in goal.

Dave Syers, Caton and Marrs all had chances, as the Quakers dominated possession.

However, Darlington missed a glorious chance to open the scoring on the half hour mark. Syers was pushed over in the box and a penalty was awarded, but Josh Gillies fired the spot kick high out of the ground.

Just three minutes later though and Darlington had the lead. A cross from the left was fumbled by the keeper and as the Bishop defender tried to clear he headed into his own net.

Before half-time Caton, making his second start since signing for the club, had to be replaced having earlier picked up a knock.

Half-time saw the Quakers make four subs, which included the introductions of Terry Galbraith and Chris Hunter.

Syers threatened yet again, but was this time denied by the post, with Scott missing the rebound.

Stephen Thompson, Harvey Saunders and Aaron Wearmouth all came on early in the second half, with Saunders setting up one of the trialists to tap home, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

On 68 minutes the lead was doubled, Scott's first effort was blocked by the defender, but the rebound fell back to him to fire across the keeper into the net.

Saunders missed a great chance late on to seal the victory, but rushed his effort after being set up by fellow sub Dale Milburn.

At the other end, Bartlett had to be alert to save three times late on and was rewarded with a clean sheet.

Next up we head to Gateshead on Wednesday night, KO is 7:30pm.

Darlington team, Bartlett, Marrs(Hunter), Ferguson(Galbraith), Turnbull(Trialist), Collins(Trialist), Brown(Milburn), Syers(Wearmouth), Scott, Caton(Trialist), Cartman(Thompson), Gillies(Saunders)