DARLINGTON'S biggest win in two years may have been unexpected, but the most startling statistic of the day came from striker Alun Armstrong.

The Geordie had never previously recorded a hat-trick during his 11-year professional career.

Even at Stockport County, in scoring 63 goals the closest he came were braces against Millwall, Sheffield United and Swindon.

At Middlesbrough, the 29-year-old £1.6m forward hit doubles against Swindon at Oxford. And with Ipswich, Armstrong's two goals against Boro sealed a 2-1 win at the Riverside in April 2001. The ex-Newcastle trainee's last brace came for Ipswich in a 5-0 win over Sunderland in December 2001.

But at the 343rd time of asking, Armstrong broke his duck in devastating fashion against a Southend side which simply couldn't cope as Quakers ran riot with a 4-0 win.

With Clyde Wijnhard making his debut, the Dutchman provided the perfect foil for Armstrong, while ex-Boro teammate Craig Hignett provided the link between midfield and attack Quakers have been screaming out for.

Armstrong's 15th minute goal was pure Roy of the Rovers, diving full stretch to head home.

The forward was then in the right place at the right time to poke home his second and Quakers' third after Wijnhard had doubled their lead.

Armstrong showed sheer perseverance to claim the match ball when he pounced on a defensive error before looping over keeper Darryl Flahaven.

"I was determined to score so I'm absolutely delighted to score three," said Armstrong.

"It's the first hat-trick of my career and once I got the first one I felt a lot of weight off my shoulders. I think everybody could see there was a bit more of a spring in my step."

The fact Armstrong is not yet fully fit can only add fear to League Two defences this season.

The forward has been training with Ipswich during the week and he said: "I felt a lot fitter but I know that I still have a lot more work to do.

"I'm feeling a lot more confident in what I do and listening to everything the gaffer is telling me.

"Hopefully, with a few more games under my belt I will feel even better.

"I've been doing a lot of cycling because it's important that I don't put too much pressure on my body."

While Armstrong continues to build up his fitness, he believes the arrival of Wijnhard can only help his game.

The pair played together at Huddersfield when Armstrong played four games on loan from Boro in 2000.

He said: "With no disrespect to the other lads it was a big help having Clyde up there.

"He has massive experience and I think everyone can see we linked up straightaway.

"We had a little spell with each other at Huddersfield so that was a big help.

"He's a great player to have around and I think he will take some pressure off me, hopefully with a few more goals."

Armstrong is determined to get his career back on track after being freed by Ipswich at the end of last season following a catalogue of injury setbacks.

"It's fair enough having one good game but people will look at whether or not I can perform consistently," said Armstrong.

"In the past I have played well and pulled up with some kind of injury so this is the most important part for me.

"I have to focus on staying fit and hopefully continuing to do well for Darlington."

Armstrong still has aspirations of returning to Championship football after leaving Portman Road in the summer.

His three-goal haul will have done his chances of earning a move no harm.

He said: "If I'm scoring goals then I suppose clubs will sit up and take notice, but I'm just concentrating on doing well for Darlington at the moment.

"I'm enjoying my football and that is the most important thing."

And having learned of the club's recent troubles off the pitch, Armstrong is keen to give the Quakers faithful something to smile about.

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