The X Factor engrosses half the nation by showcasing the nation's musical ‘talent', but at the weekend Darlington fans were transfixed by The Ex Factor.

Exodus Geohagon, or Big Ex as he has already become known, only joined last week yet he is already becoming a cult figure.

At 6ft 5in and with a frame that would not look out of place inside a boxing ring, Geohagon is dominant in the air, while his trademark long throws add an extra dimension to Darlington's game.

"I think he is an outstanding signing for the club, until the end of the season at least, and I'm sure the fans might just have a new hero now," said manager Mark Cooper after Saturday's 1-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers.

The giant defender did not score the only goal - that went to fellow centre-back Jonatan Sanchez-Munoz - but it came after one of his throws caused carnage ten minutes from time.

The well-deserved win ensured the revival continued after beating Stockport 4-3 last Tuesday.

Quakers may only be 13th, yet a week ago they were 16th after an embarrassing defeat at Bath, but since chairman Raj Singh backed Cooper the team have won twice and suddenly there is a buzz around the club again.

Tomorrow evening's opponents Barrow will be aware of Geohagon's missile-like throws, whether they can do anything to stop them is another matter.

It is a weapon Quakers will attempt to make the most of, as neatly demonstrated when Aaron Brown allowed the ball to go out of play in order for the big man to hurl another one towards goal.

It took just three minutes for Geohagon to demonstrate his power and thereafter anticipation built in much the same way as a corner is greeted whenever Darlington were awarded a throw in the final third.

Kidderminster had to be alert with keeper Daniel Lewis having to punch one clear from underneath his crossbar.

Yet there is more to Geohagon's game than throw-ins - he liked to find feet with his passes while he was solid in defence.

"Ex used his experience to deal with any dangerous situation, he was always there sniffing it out," said Cooper, who kept the same XI after Graeme Lee failed a fitness test.

Geohagon's arrival has coincided with back-to-back wins, which is no coincidence, and the change of formation is also a factor.

Cooper has switched to 4-4-2, which appears to be playing to the squad's strengths. Midfielder Chris Atkinson is flourishing while winger Adam Rundle looks more like the player Darlington fans loved to hate when he was in opposition colours.

Cooper said: "We played 4-4-2 and I said before the Stockport game that let's just get the ball to Rundle or Aaron Brown and get it into the box for Liam Hatch and James Walshaw.

"That's what they did and I thought Adam had his best game for us. Hopefully the fans will give him a little bit of a break now and see that he is working hard and trying to get into form."

Rundle delivered a series of dangerous crosses as Quakers created a number of opportunities against a team that came into the game ninth, having won five away games, though they are suffering with injuries.

Only the outstretched boot of Michael Briscoe prevented Walshaw from being one-on-one when latching on to a Rundle through-ball, then Rundle unleashed a fierce drive from distance that Lewis did well to push wide.

Yet the visitors came closest to scoring soon after the restart, Callum Gittings hitting the bar with a header from Tom Sharpe's cross.

A Kidderminster goal would have been an injustice, which is also how Quakers felt when Walshaw was chopped down in the penalty area.

Cooper fumed: "It was a blatant penalty," so referee Declan Ford can be thankful Darlington won, otherwise he might have found an angry manager waiting for him.

For all that Darlington enjoyed superior possession, the deadlock was not broken until the 80th minute.

Kidderminster cleared Geohagon's throw to Jamie Chandler, who returned the ball for Geohagon to head the ball towards Sanchez-Munoz and he swept home from close-range.

In injury time, when he was one-on-one with the keeper, substitute Ryan Bowman hit the post, but it was not to matter.

Cooper added: "I thought we played some good football at times and passed the ball well.

"It was a fantastic win and after what has gone on over the last month I just hope people are now going to talk about the players and their performance and not me being under pressure and about to lose my job."