The match looked like being tough as the hosts had the best home record in the division, but Quakers continued their top form by making it nine wins in a row in league and cup.

It was 1-0 at half-time after Liam Hatch side-footed home early on after good work up the left by David Dowson, the forwards being two of four changes made by manager Martin Gray.

Terry Galbraith and Mark Bell also came into the side as Gray wanted to save players for Wednesday’s league game with Spennymoor Town, a match of greater significance than the Trophy.

But the nature of today’s comprehensive performance will have thrilled Gray.

In one of their best 90 minutes of the season, his team were in control for lengthy periods.

Dowson was felled in the penalty area by Ben Middleton and a spot-kick appeared the only correct option available to referee Steve Wade, but he stunned the 715 crowd by waving play on.

It was not the only the mistake the officials made, with Quakers also believing Leon Scott was fouled in the 18-yard box.

But Scarborough had a penalty shout of their own just before half-time when striker Gary Bradshaw went down.

For all of Darlington’s build-up play, they again missed too many chances, but within 60 seconds of the restart Stephen Thompson gave his team breathing space by making it 2-0.

He scored his second goal in as many weeks by rifling home a first-time strike on his weaker left foot from 20 yards.

With Quakers on top and with Wednesday’s game in mind, Gray withdrew Hatch and Dowson, Amar Purewal and Graeme Armstrong replacing them, and Purewal scored the third with his first touch.

After keeper Jason White parried Armstrong's shot, after he'd been played in by Thompson, the ball fell kindly for Purewal to prod home.

The final goal came from fellow substitute Armstrong, he flicked home from close-range after Adam Mitchell’s right-wing cross.

The draw for the second round will be made on Monday morning.

To complete a fine day for Darlington, second-placed Salford City were spanked 6-0 at Kendal Town after having two players sent off. They would’ve gone top with a draw.

Goals: Hatch (4, 0-1), Thompson (46, 0-2), Purewal (67, 0-3), Armstrong (89, 0-4)

Bookings: Scott (29, dissent); Burton (34, handball)

Referee: Steve Wade

Attendance: 715

Scarborough Athletic (4-4-2): White; Robson, Middleton, Burton, Ridley (Bennett 63); Williams (Evans 56), Davidson (Bolder 56), Beadle, Ghaichem; Bradshaw, Blott. Subs (not used): Hughes, Foot

Darlington (4-4-2): Bell; Brown, White, Hunter, Watson; A Mitchell, Scott, Galbraith, Thompson (Cocks 70); Dowson (Purewal 66), Hatch (Armstrong 66). Subs (not used): Jameson (gk), Portas

Match Report Courtesy of the Northern Echo.