DARLINGTON sealed a second pre-season win in a week beating Northern League side Crook Town 4-2 at the weekend as manager Alun Armstrong is cautious about burning out his squad.

The Quakers surged into a two goal lead at the break thanks to a brace from striker Jacob Hazel who scored his third goal for his new side.

Crook replied early on into the second half but fellow new arrival Marcus Maddison was hacked down inside the box and took the responsibility of the penalty tucking the ball away from 12 yards to restore their two goal cushion.

A mix up in defence led to the Quakers conceded a penalty of their own which Crook were able to convert but the result was put beyond doubt when Junior Mondal scored his third goal this week nine minutes from time.

New arrival Mark Beck watched on from the sidelines after completing a deal to move back to the Quakers after his release from Harrogate Town.

Manager Alun Armstrong said: “It was quite a dominating game especially when you look at that first half. There definitely should have been more goals in it but Crook sat back and didn’t let us do a lot with the ball.

“The quality wasn’t quite there but we have been working the lads extremely hard. It’s all about fitness and getting to know each other.

“They were in a comfortable position and then a couple of daft little moments where they switch off. We’ve got young kids in there. Jack, Charlie, Lucas so we’ve got to give them games as well. We’ve got to look at these kids and I don’t want to burn our lads out too much too soon.”

The Quakers next friendly tie comes against League Two side Rochdale this week. They could come up against their former striker Luke Charman who made the switch to Dale back in January along with former Boro full-back Robbie Stockdale as manager.