Result: Accrington Stanley 0 Darlington 2

SUMMER signings Micky Cummins and Martin Smith both recorded their first goals for Darlington as Quakers continued their impressive start to the campaign.

The goals came in the opening half as David Hodgson's men spoiled Accrington Stanley's party as they celebrated their return to the Football League after a 44-year absence.

Back-to-back wins mean Quakers travel to Boston United on Saturday full of confidence but Darlington's position at the top of League Two owes something to good fortune as Stanley dominated the first half.

Bouyed by the occasion, Stanley had Darlington on the backfoot with the visitors a shadow of the team which was so impressive in Saturday's 4-0 win over Macclesfield Town.

Heavy rain - which forced many of the travelling supporters to head for shelter in a stand at the side of the pitch - added zip to the playing surface and this seemed to assist Accrington as they caused several problems for the visitors.

One of the most notable saw Ian Craney forcing Sam Russell into action with a shot from an angle before Joey Hutchinson came to Quakers' rescue by blocking the same player's powerful shot from close-range.

As the rain eased, Darlington came back into the contest and Kalu Ngoma and Smith, who had both endured quiet starts, played important roles in giving Quakers an unlikely lead.

Frenchman Ngoma sparked mayhem in the home penalty with two powerful efforts that were blocked after which Smith won a corner with some trickery on the byline.

The kick was expertly taken by James and Cummins' volley from 12 yards put Quakers 1-0 up.

It was harsh on the hosts but they were soon two behind - Smith doubled the advantage from inside the penalty area. Patrick Collins's right-wing cross was headed into a team-mate's chest by Andy Welsh, leaving Smith to collect the loose ball and slam into the back of the net.

The mishap was typical of Stanley's misfortune in the first half but it could have been 3-0 just after the break as Gaetano Giallanza poked just wide following a counter-attack.

Although not as potent as in the first half, Accrington still posed a threat after the break but a flying save by home keeper Ian Dunbavin prevented Cummins from adding his second, impressively tipping the midfielder's powerful long-range strike on to the bar.