DARLINGTON will step up their preparations for the coming National League North campaign with their first pre-season friendly of the summer tonight.

Quakers take on Bishop Auckland at the VEST Construction Stadium (7.30pm kick-off) with manager Steve Watson set to get a first look at his summer signings in action.

A handful of trialists are also set to feature and will be desperate to catch the eye of Watson, who is keen on further bolstering his squad before the big kick-off next month.

Peter Jameson, Jack Maskell, Scott Barrow and Joe Leesley are already through the door this summer and could feature tonight.

Watson and his new recruits have outlined their desire to compete at the top end of National League North this coming season after last term's struggles at the bottom before their remarkable escape act.

And the manager and his players will be looking to carry their momentum from April into pre-season and the coming campaign.

Tonight's trip to Bishop Auckland is the start of a busy spell of friendlies, with games against Hebburn, Doncaster, York City, Morpeth, Dunston and Harrogate to follow before the National League North opener against Kidderminster.

The Blackwell Meadows league opener is followed by a trip to Oxford City, with the first two opponents for Quakers having been relegated from the National League last season.

Tickets for tonight's game are available on the gate and priced at £8 for adults and £5 for Under-18s.