New boy Danny Mellanby did his first team chances the power of good on Darlington's mini-tour of Ireland after joining from Bishop Auckland.

The attack-minded midfielder scored twice on tour, including the winner against Waterford United, while he also netted at Queen of the South a week ago.

"He's done very well," said manager Gary Bennett of the 21-year-old who signed a one-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months, last week.

"He's got an eye for goal. He's a midfielder but he can play behind the front two or he can play up front, so there are two or three different positions we can use him in.

"He's a Darlington fan and all he wanted to do was get an opportunity to prove himself."

In their first friendly since returning from Ireland, Darlington travel to Guisborough's King George V Ground tonight.

Quakers also send teams to Barrow (3pm) and North Shields (2.30pm) on Saturday, with the first-team squad expected to play at Barrow. Quakers complete their pre-season programme at Prudhoe on Wednesday, August 8 (7pm).

Meanwhile, long-serving youth development officer Iain Leckie has left the club. "I refused to take a 40 per cent pay cut," he said.

Leckie had been with the club for seven years and has been replaced by former Huddersfield Town player Dave Cowling.

Youth team coach, Stuart Gibson also left the club this year for the same reason.

* Season ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets for the derby at Hartlepool (August 25) from this Saturday, 10am-4pm. Priced at £12 adults, and £6 concessions, season ticket holders are entitled to one ticket per person and they must display voucher B.

Tickets for the League Cup game at home to Sheffield United (August 20) will also be available to season ticket holders on Saturday, using voucher A. Remaining tickets will be available to the general public from Wednesday, August 8.

Season tickets will be available for collection from Strikers Bar at Feethams on Saturday (10am-4pm), from the club shop on August 6 and 7 and any remaining season tickets not collected by then will be delivered by post.

* Darlington's Director of Football, Luke Raine has asked fans to show their support by buying a season ticket. "We're not selling as many as we should," he said.

Raine will attend an open meeting of supporters at the Oak tree in Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday (7.30pm). Raine is keen to set-up several supporters groups throughout the region to exist in conjunction with the official supporters club.

Read more about the Quakers here.