The 23 year old appeared to be marginally offside as he latched onto a through ball and slotted past Pete Jameson.

The visitors were missing a number of familiar faces with the likes of Leon Scott, David Dowson and Nathan Cartman, who was getting married, all missing. Also absent were Darlington’s five summer signings.

Quakers had plenty of the ball in the first half but clear cut chances were at a premium for much of this encounter. Darlington did see a goal ruled out early on for offside after Stephen Thompson’s cross was turned home. He was involved again not long afterwards as a half cleared corner kick fell invitingly for him to lash wide.

Fairley’s 37th minute strike gave the hosts the lead although just before half time Gary Brown’s low ball across the six yard box, after a neat exchange of passes with Thompson, was begging to be finished off.

With the inevitable changes at the break the second half was a disjointed affair. Quakers continued to see plenty of the ball but they lacked any real rhythm or cutting edge and chances remained scarce.

A poor pass at the back nearly gifted Fairley and Durham a second five minutes after the restart. Jameson though was quick to dash out and gather the ball at the midfielder’s feet. 12 minutes from the end the Darlington shot stopper denied Fairley again as saved his penalty kick.

Highlights from the game are below.