DARLINGTON manager Alun Armstrong believes that new goalkeeper Johnny Saltmer will probably be the last piece in Quakers’ jigsaw.

Saltmer, who started his career at Hull City before joining National League champions Barrow in February 2019, looked a useful addition as Darlington suffered a 3-2 friendly defeat at Scarborough Athletic at the weekend. The 21-year-old could do nothing about the three goals in what was Quakers’ worst of three pre-season performances.

“Johnny’s done smashing so far,” said Armstrong. “He’s settled well into the group, he’s been really comfortable, and he’s going to go from strength to strength. He’s got loads of potential, and has shown people what he’s capable of. The problem on Saturday was he didn’t have a proper back four in front of him.

“We made some errors, but it didn’t help not having any centre-halves available. People will understand why I’ve signed Nicky Hunt to organise the defence. The first 25 minutes we were fine, but the second half was the disappointing thing for me, we didn’t get the spark going.

“I think I’m done now in terms of players, I can’t see anyone moving out. If anybody becomes available I might look at it, but I’m quite happy with what we’ve got.”

Quakers started the game well enough, taking the lead on 18 minutes when Bed Hedley threaded the ball through for Justin Donawa to slot past the keeper.

They went further ahead a few minutes later with the goal of the match, a delightful curler by Adam Campbell from the left edge of the box into the top corner.

But Scarborough pulled a goal back when former Darlington player Nathan Cartman turned in a right-wing cross, then levelled on 35 minutes with an unmarked header by Harry Coates.

The visitors spurned a chance to retake the lead just before half-time when Dan Maguire, on for the injured Campbell, was tripped in the area, and Luke Charman pulled the penalty wide.

Scarborough scored a winner at the start of the second half, with a shot on the turn by Billy Gooda.

Darlington: Saltmer, McMahon (Liddle 59), Watson, Wheatley (Hatfield 59), Atkinson (Nguala 77), Reid (Chidanyika 85), Rivers (Woodhouse 85), Hedley, Campbell (Maguire 30), Charman (Holmes 59), Donawa (Armstrong 85).