Darlington's summer of relative inactivity in the transfer market may have provided few with much optimism for the new season - but it couldn't have worked out much better for one player.

The story of Chris Hughes is one which could have come straight from a copy of Roy of the Rovers.

Only last season the youngster was spending his Saturday afternoon's gaining first-team experience on loan at non-league neighbours Bishop Auckland.

However, after Mick Tait seemingly resigned himself to losing out on several transfer targets during a frustrating pre-season, the Quakers boss was left to seek other alternatives.

Step forward Hughes, who capped a dream full debut with the winning goal and a strike which earned the club their first win at the Reynolds Arena against Leyton Orient two weeks ago.

And Tait last night welcomed the teenager's impressive emergence into the first team this season.

"Chris is a good young player and a great lad to have in the team," said Tait. "He knows how to defend but he's just as effective going forward and creates plenty of chances."

And while many managers opt to use their young fledglings sparingly during their infant years in the game, the form of Hughes has made it difficult for Tait to leave him out.

"Some young players come in for a game or two and you leave them out again and some come in and you keep on playing them because they are doing so well," said Tait.

"You have to look after them as much as you can but Hughes is so enthusiastic he gives everybody a lift."

Read more about the Quakers here.