Darlington youngster Adam Marsh has revealed how he turned his back on an academic career to make his mark in the professional game.

The teenager notched his first goal in senior football on Tuesday night in the LDV Vans win against Shrewsbury, but it hasn't sunk in yet that he's playing for a Football League club.

"I keep having to pinch myself that only a year ago I was playing Sunday football in Worksop," he said.

"Chris Waddle fixed me up with Worksop in the UniBond League where he was already playing, but I wasn't really getting a place there.

"But then the call came from Darlington to play for them in a friendly against Newcastle and a couple of reserve games, and it took off from there.

"The rest of the lads have been really helpful in helping me settle in, because it was a bit difficult at first not really knowing anyone in the dressing room.

"But I'm really enjoying myself now. I'm getting used to the pace of the game and it was a great feeling to score my first goal."

Marsh was set to study at University when manager Gary Bennett became interested in him.

"I'd just finished my A levels and was starting a gap year, but I want to give professional football a go now."

Bennett, who signed Marsh following a tip from Waddle, said: "He's still only 18 and if he keeps developing and listening then he's got a bright future in the game."

Marsh could get a chance to open his league account against leaders Chesterfield on Saturday at Feethams because John Williams, who scored at Plymouth last week, is rated as 50-50 by Bennett for the game due to an ankle injury.

Bennett is in no hurry to sign central defender Dean Walling, who is available on a free from Doncaster Rovers. "He wants to come, but it's a matter of everybody involved finding a chance to sit down and talk about a deal."

l Last night's reserve game with Halifax was frozen off