By Kevin Luff

Darlington’s preparations for the new season got off to a low-key start at Durham City, with a 1-0 defeat.

A first-half goal from James Fairley proved the difference, after he latched onto a through ball and slotted past Pete Jameson.

The visitors were missing a number of familiar faces with the likes of Leon Scott, David Dowson and Nathan Cartman, who was getting married, all missing. Also absent were Darlington’s five summer signings.

Quakers had plenty of the ball in the first half but chances were at a premium.

Before half-time Gary Brown’s low ball across the six yard box, after a neat exchange of passes with Thompson, was begging to be finished off.

With the inevitable changes at the break the second half was a disjointed affair. Quakers lacked any real rhythm or cutting edge and chances remained scarce.

A poor pass at the back nearly gifted Fairley and Durham a second five minutes after the restart. Jameson though was quick to dash out and gather. And, with 12 minutes remaining, Jameson saved a Fairley penalty.

Darlington starting XI: Jameson, Brown, A.White, Hunter, Galbraith, Mitchell, Gibbons, Portas, Spooner, Thompson, Fisher.