Darlington ’keeper Peter Jameson has signed a new deal with the club in recognition of his form this season, which has seen him become Quakers’ No. 1.

The former Gateshead and Sunderland RCA goalkeeper joined the club last season and initially spent most of his time as understudy to Mark Bell.

But the two have now reversed roles with Jameson having impressed manager Martin Gray in the summer and he has helped form a mean defence.

Jameson has conceded only two goals in his last ten appearances, Quakers having kept clean sheets in their last seven league and Trophy fixtures, which is form they hope to take into tomorrow’s trip to St Neots Town.

“He made a good case for himself in pre-season that he should be first-choice and he hasn’t let anybody down,” said Gray.

“The coaching he has had has been a big help, that has improved him and he’s still young for a keeper.

“He’s a good age for a club to have a look at him, so it’s good to extend his contract and have that security there because I know professional clubs have watched him.”

“Spennymoor were interested in him in the summer, they made a big push to sign him.”

Jameson was on the bench on Wednesday when Quakers fielded a youthful team for the Doodson Sport Cup tie with Whitby Town at Heritage Park, which saw the hosts throw away a three-goal lead before losing on penalties.

“I thought that the young players did very well to go 3-0 up against a much more senior Whitby side,” said Gray.

There was a major blow for Darlington, however, when skipper Gary Brown was sent off and Gray fears his suspension will be for three games.

He was sent on as a substitute to replace James Marley, after he had suffered a broken toe, but late on was controversially dismissed after what appeared to be a strong but fair challenge on Nial Doran.

The referee was Barry Gordon, who has twice previously sent off Brown before he joined Darlington, while on two occasions last season he was the man in black when Gray was sent to the stands.

Gray said: “Gary Brown’s challenge should only have been a yellow, just like their keeper’s was when he made a bad challenge in the first half.

“We don’t know yet, but we think it might be a three-game ban.”

Brown will be available tomorrow, but Alan White will serve a one-match suspension after reaching five yellow cards.