DARLINGTON suffered a 2-1 defeat to Dunston UTS in their final away friendly ahead of the start of the new National League North season.

Quakers striker Jack Maskell scored as he returned to his former club, but Steve Watson’s side were beaten as they finished with ten men following the dismissal of Cedric Main.

Dunston opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Harvey Neary raced onto a through ball and slotted a low finish past Pete Jameson.

Main had a close-range effort save before Dunston doubled their lead as another through ball unlocked the Darlington defence, enabling Sado Djalo to score.

Quakers were reduced to ten men in the 35th minute when an off-the-ball scuffle ended with Main being shown a straight red card for violent conduct.

Darlington played the whole of the second half with a man disadvantage, and after Ben Hedley hit the bar with a direct free-kick, Maskell halved Quakers’ arrears as he converted Andrew Nelson’s cross.

Watson’s side almost grabbed a draw in the dying seconds, but Alex Payne could only head wide from a free-kick.

Darlington end their pre-season programme when they host League Two side Harrogate Town at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday afternoon.