TOM Portas may have scored a strong contender for Darlington’s goal of the season during Wednesday’s win over Lancaster City, yet believes his curling first-half effort was not even the best goal of the game.

He put his team 2-0 ahead with a hugely impressive effort from the corner of the penalty area.

Hit low with the outside of his right foot, the ball was heading away from goal until it curled inside the far post, leaving Lancaster keeper Michael Hale helpless, and the No. 1 was similarly redundant when Leon Scott smashed home late on and that’s the goal which Portas believes is more worthy of recognition.

“I have to give Leon a mention because his goal was an absolute belter,” said Portas, who also netted a memorable goal in Darlington’s previous home match at the end of last month against Bamber Bridge. “Leon’s goal was better than mine. He took it so well with his right foot.

“I told him afterwards that he hit it so well that it would still have gone in even if he had hit it from 20 yards further out.”

Portas’ goal on Wednesday came in 16th minute of Quakers’ much-needed win, returning them to the top of the table, and he added: “I thought I’d give it a go, I don’t know why, and it’s just as well it went in really as I think Nathan Cartman would’ve been screaming at me for not passing. I’ll be watching it over and over again, like I did the last one.

“I think the one against Bamber Bridge was better. I picked the ball up on the halfway line and beat a couple of men.

“They were both good goals and they meant the same thing really and gave us some momentum.”

Portas and team-mates will have another tough game tomorrow at Heritage Park when third-placed Northwich Victoria, three points behind Quakers, head to the North-East.

Meanwhile, any fans requiring information or wishing to pay by cheque for a ‘500 Club’ five-year season ticket are advised that help will be on hand in the bar at Heritage Park for the matches tomorrow and against Prescot Cables the following Saturday.

The same service is also available at Quaker Retail at Blackwell Meadows during their normal opening hours of 10am-1pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The take-up of the five-year season ticket packages is a key component in the drive to raise the funds necessary to bring the club back into the town for next season.

* Former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball will be the guest speaker at a sportsman’s dinner in aid of Darlington’s youth section next week, with guests including the current first-team squad and manager Martin Gray.

Ex-manager David Hodgson and former players Chris Senior, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Paul Terry, who were all in the FA Trophy-winning team of 2011, will also be in attendance.

Taking place at the Dolphin Centre on Saturday, March 21, 7 for a 7.30pm start, as well as Ball also appearing will be comedian Josh Daniels.

The evening includes a three-course meal with tickets costing £35 each or £325 for a table of ten and they must be purchased in advance by calling 07581-284091.

It is a joint event to raise funds for the football club as well as the youth section.