A FULL-STRENGTH Darlington side returned to their home from home and strolled to a comfortable win at Bishop Auckland.

At Heritage Park, where they were based for four and a half years until last December, an own goal and a Leon Scott strike gave continued Quakers’ pre-season preparations with a 2-0 win.

With the National League North season starting a fortnight today, Martin Gray opted to select a starting XI made up entirely of players already contracted to the club with three trialists - Jordan Richards, Josh Wheatley and Scott Fenwick - among the second-half substitutes.

Darlington took a grip early on, slowly increasing the tempo and control of the match, though former landlords Bishop had the first effort on goal.

Left-winger James Fairley prodded wide as Bishop countered following a loose pass by Darlington right-back Liam Marrs.

Dave Syers directed a weak volley at goalkeeper Tom Dawson and new signing James Caton hit the side-netting as the difference in quality began to show, while a vocal Gray encouraged quick passing from his players.

His team should have taken the lead just after the half-hour mark from the penalty spot after Syers was pushed, but Josh Gillies evoked memories of Barry Conlon’s infamous spot-kick by blasting high over the bar and into the petrol station.

Within two minutes, however, a moment of embarrassment for the hosts afforded Darlington a 1-0 lead, left-back Michael Hoganson heading into his own net after Dawson had fumbled Caton’s cross.

At the break Quakers made a handful of changes, and almost doubled their lead soon after the restart.

A Syers shot from a narrow angle rebounded off the post, Scott crashing the rebound into the near empty Tin Shed, as it was known when Heritage Park was Quakers’ home.

Fenwick was flagged offside when put the ball in the net, Darlington eventually making it 2-0 when Scott guided the ball home after Fenwick had pulled the ball back.

Quakers keeper Adam Bartlett had been a virtual spectator, though he was called into action in the closing stages to save from Fairley Alex Goundry and Ben Trotter.

Bishop Auckland: Dawson; Lovegreen, Hall (Martindale 59), Gilesphy, Hoganson; Williamson, Jury, Francis (Bennett 62), Fairley; Moffat, Totter. Subs: Riding, Hart, Goundry, Thompson, Robinson

Darlington: Bartlett; Marrs (Richards 46), Collins (Hunter 46), Brown (Milburn 73), Ferguson (Galbraith 46); Scott, Syers (Saunders 59), Turnbull (Wheatley 46); Caton (Fenwick 40), Cartman (Thompson 56), Gillies (Wearmouth 59)