TWO second half goals ensured Darlington's pre-season preparations got off to a winning start at Whitby Town last night.

Goals from former York City striker Aaron Wilford and Quakers youngster Dale Mendum ensured a 2-1 victory at the Turnbull Ground.

Wilford was one of seven trialists in a line-up which also featured the former Middlesbrough trio of Curtis Fleming, David Murphy and Alan Harrison, all of whom impressed in front of Mark Proctor, who will no doubt recommend a second look to manager David Hodgson.

There was a place in the Whitby side for former Darlington striker Paul Campbell and ex-Boro winger Anthony Ormerod.

Both sides showed plenty of industry in the opening 45 minutes but chances were at a minimum.

With a quarter of an hour played Wilford found space in the Whitby box before poking just wide.

And after trialist Michael Markwell fired straight at Andy Hoggard with 28 minutes played, Whitby defender Scott Nicholson almost put through his own net with a wayward header.

With minutes of the second-half, visiting keeper Jack Norton was called on for the first time when he pushed Steve Johnson's effort wide.

But it was Quakers who took the lead from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half. Substitute Mendum burst into the box before being brought down by the on-rushing Hoggard.

Wilford stepped up to confidently place the ball past the Town keeper.

Quakers were unlucky not to double their lead when Leandro Scartascini fired wide from Chris Mason's cross.

The impressive Mendum made sure of victory on the hour mark when his powerful drive from 25 yards out took a deflection off a Whitby defender and into the top corner of the net.

Whitby pulled a goal back late on through Dave McTiernan, but Quakers held on for victory.

DARLINGTON: Norton, Murphy, Hughes, Manson, Fleming, Harrison, Webb, Coghlan, Markwell, Wilford, Scartascini Subs: Parkin, Mendum, Mason

WHITBY TOWN: Hoggarth, Atkinson, Yael, Nicholson, Williams, O'Brien, Gildea, Campbell, Ormerod, Johnson, Bishop Subs: Jackson, Veart, McTiernan, Lynch, Robinson, Bennett.

Read more about the Quakers here.