Darlington surged to the top of the Vanarama National League North thanks to two goals by Terry Galbraith at Heritage Park.

But they were made to fight all the way by the best team that Quakers have faced in their five games so far in their new venture, as Chorley created some good chances in the first half before Quakers got going.

“It was a magnificent win,” said manager Martin Gray. “They were the best team we’ve come up against this season, because their use of the ball was very good and they challenged us all the way.

“We rode our luck a little bit and could have been two or three down, but we clawed our way back into the game.

“It was important to get something to hang on to which we did with the goal at the start of the second half from a great set-piece. Our defending for the rest of the game was magnificent, and I was delighted with a clean sheet.”

Quakers were pushed back in the opening stages. Chorley right back Matt Challoner broke into the box and Peter Jameson, who seemed to be carrying an injury, dashed out and saved at his feet at the expense of a corner.

Gray’s side were caught flat-footed from the corner, which Scott Leather headed against the bar, and then three minutes later they escaped again when Gonzalez crossed for Paul Jarvis to volley over from ten yards.

Another chance fell to the visitors when Josh O’Keefe made an unchallenged run into the box and poked a right wing cross by Gonzalez just wide.

Quakers stunned Chorley by taking the lead on 14 minutes.

Liam Hardy made a good run into the box and was tripped by Kieran Charnock as he tried to create a better position for himself, and Terry Galbraith coolly converted his third penalty of the season.

Quakers thought they should have had a second penalty when Mark Beck claimed that he was tripped by Leather as he went for a Galbraith cross from the left, but the referee waved play on.

Chorley though were soon back at Quakers. Charnock glanced a Jarvis free kick from the right just wide, then Marcus Carver sidestepped Marrs on the left and fired in a low shot that Jameson saved one-handed.

It was Quakers’ turn to catch their opponents napping at the start of the second half. Liam Hardy won a corner that was swung over to the far post from the left by Gillies for Galbraith to head his fourth of the season into the roof of the net.

Quakers nearly got a third when Portas burst down the right and tried to set up Hardy, but Sam Ashton saved well.

However, with Jameson struggling, although not bad enough to be replaced, it was all hands to the pump at the back to protect him, and Leon Scott made a terrific block from a shot by Carver.

Gray put Chris Hunter on for Liam Marrs to add some height at the back, and with every player battling in front of Jameson, they held on for their fourth win in five matches to put them on top of the pile.

Quakers’ home game against Kidderminster, which was scheduled for Saturday, September 3, has been brought forward to the previous night at Heritage Park because Bishop Auckland are playing an FA Cup tie the following day.