DARLINGTON have their second run-out of pre-season this evening when they go to Harrogate Town, about as close to home as Yorkshireman Will Hatfield will play now that he has signed for Quakers.

The 27-year-old lives in Leeds and for the past four years was playing for Guiseley, but will now be making regular treks up and down the A1.

He made his first appearance in Quakers colours last Saturday in a friendly with Motherwell, making an immediate impression, and said: “It was my first run-out because I hadn’t trained with the lads, I’ve been doing my own fitness work at home. To come in and play 70 odd minutes, I was happy with and I thought I did okay.”

Hatfield came through the youth ranks with Leeds but has played most of his football with Accrington Stanley and Guiseley, while he also had a spell with Halifax Town, who Darlington play next Saturday.

Hatfield added: “I’ve got a lot of experience in this division, and the one above, and hopefully I can bring that to the team.

“I like to get in the box and score, but I also like to be disciplined and break things up: a bit of everything in midfield, attacking and defending.

“I had two years in the National League when I first signed for Guiseley and really enjoyed it, and then we dropped into the National League North.

“They’re both really tough leagues and I want to bring my experience to this team and I want to be aiming for promotion.

“I was at Guiseley four years and enjoyed my time there, but Darlington showed a bit of interest and a club of this size made it a no-brainer for me. I was looking for a new challenge and I’m certainly going to get one here.''

Darlington will name a strong team this evening, though manager Alun Armstrong continues to consider various trialists that have been brought to his attention.

Kick-off is 7.30pm, with admission £8 for adults, £6 for concessions and £2 U-18s.

Quakers travel to Bishop Auckland on Monday (7pm).