Jonatan Sanchez-Munoz was a hero when he scored a late winner to secure victory against Kidderminster Harriers on a day of firsts at The Northern Echo Arena.
It was his first for the club and the first goal scored for Quakers by a Spaniard. He's also the first player from his country to play for the club.
Manager Mark Cooper brought him in with the aim of developing his game over time in training, but injury and suspension have earned Sanchez-Munoz four starts.
His appearances, at Luton, Cambridge and Stockport had coincided with a total of seven goals conceded and he only featured on Saturday due to Graeme Lee failing a fitness test on a groin strain.
Lee's bad luck proved fortuitous for Sanchez-Munoz, who was able to celebrate his first moment in the spotlight since joining at the beginning of last month after being unable to make the breakthrough at hometown team Malaga.
He says it was always an ambition to play in this country, though he admits the style of play differs.
He said: "In Spain there is never long ball, there is more technique, more passing. I played for Malaga and there is more technique.
"But I always wanted to play in England since I was small. I've always liked English football and watched the Premier League.
"My favourite players were John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, both very good players, and Wayne Rooney."
The 21-year-old did not speak any English when he arrived, but is attending classes at Darlington College and hopes to be fluent within three months, which will no doubt improve communication with his team-mates.
But something Sanchez-Munoz has no control over is the North-East climate, which is not to his liking.
"I am very happy at Darlington," he said. "I am living in a house and have a new car, a Beetle, and my mother came here and she liked Darlington, she thought it was a lovely place. My girlfriend, Laura, has moved here now and we like it.
"The weather here now in England is like winter in Marbella, so I'm not looking forward to the winter! When I first came with my father people here at Darlington said it was a lovely day, but I was so cold.
"I was wearing shorts and a T-shirt on the plane because in Malaga it was hot, but as soon as we got off the plane I was very cold!"
His 80th minute winner was met with a strong show of emotion from the Spaniard, and he added: "I have scored many goals before, but I was very happy to get my first goal for Darlington. I was excited!"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here