Seven of those victories have come in the league with only one goal conceded in the past six matches and Burscough rarely looked like breaching Darlington’s defence today.

The visitors, now 18th in the table, caused a few moments of alarm at the beginning of a second period when they had a substantial wind at their backs, but by that stage Quakers were 2-0 up and good value for the lead.

Goals from Amar Purewal and Graeme Armstrong had put Martin Gray’s side ahead during a one-sided first half in which the manager’s only complaint was a failure to take so many of the chances created by his side.

Purewal netted his tenth league goal of the campaign on 19 minutes, completing fine build-up play to poke home from 16 yards and he was involved in the second goal too, heading into Armstrong’s path after Peter Jameson's kick for his strike-partner to score.

Having overcome Burscough’s bright start to the second period, Darlington sealed victory when Thompson netted a penalty with 20 minutes to go.

It came after Joe Comozzi had handled in the penalty area when man of the match Adam Mitchell dribbled into the penalty area, Thompson taking spot-kick responsibilities with Terry Galbraith named as a substitute.

Galbraith dropped to what was Darlington’s strongest bench in some weeks, with players now returning from injury to give the side healthy look ahead of some tougher fixtures to come.

Next Saturday they visit Scarborough Athletic in the FA Trophy, and the following Wednesday Spennymoor Town visit Heritage Park in the league.

Quakers have now opened a three-point lead on Salford City, who could only draw 2-2 with Mossley.

Match report courtesy of the Northern Echo.

Goals: Purewal (19, 1-0), Armstrong (35, 2-0), Thompson pen (70, 3-0)

Attendance: 941

Darlington: Jameson; Brown, White, Hunter, Watson; A Mitchell, Portas, Scott, Thompson (Galbraith 71); Purewal (Hatch 73), Armstrong (Dowson 60). Subs (not used): Bell (gk), Cocks

Burscough: Cookson; Camozzi, Washburn (Quirk 73), Brown, Schofield; Monaghan (Dunleavey 76), Joyce, Toner, Beesley, Caddick; Jones. Subs (not used): Smith, Devine, Duff