Darlington Croft achieved notable victory in the Over-40s League on Saturday when their threadbare team beat last season's Premier Division runners-up Killingworth Arms.

Newly-promoted Croft are expecting a tough first season in the top flight but holidays and work commitments meant they travelled to Killingworth with only 11 fit players.

And to make matters worse Croft lost the services of Roger Wicks with a hamstring injury but this couldn't stop the visitors claiming their first three points of the season.

With the game scoreless at half-time, five minutes after the break Steve Bailes crossed from the wing to Charlie Moody who ended his three-year goal drought in spectacular fashion by blasting a half-volley past the keeper from outside the penalty area.

Ten minutes later Jamie Leaf completed the scoring with a fine individual effort, taking the ball past several Killingworth players before slotting home.

But Croft then had to deal with the loss of keeper Neal Simpson who had pulled off some outstanding saves. League rules allow teams to use rolling substitutes so Simpson was replaced between the sticks was taken by Wicks who returned to the field despite his injury and he managed to keep a clean sheet.

Saturday's game was Croft's second game of the season having lost the opener 4-1 at Owton Manor while tomorrow Croft are at Ferryhill Greyhound. Their first home game of the year will be on September 13 when they host last season's champions, Steels FC who boast former Darlington player, Harry Dunn and Peter Stronach who played in the Football League with York City.

Home games are played at Croft WMC and kick-off is 10.30pm, all are welcome.

* Darlington Croft are looking for a sponsor, if you would like to help the team, who travel around the North-East while playing in the Over-40s League, call John Parker on (01325) 487910.