A David Dowson hat-trick along with a goal from Ryan Brobbel ensured the Quakers progressed in the competition.

Dowson scored twice in the first half, with a Brobbel solo goal sandwiched inbetween.

The striker then completed his hat-trick early in the second half easily slotting the ball past the goalkeeper.

[caption id="attachment_13516" align="alignnone" width="300"] David Dowson in action at Colwyn Bay[/caption]

Darlington picked a side featuring several players around the first team squad, as well as some of the youth team players. Graeme Armstrong, Dowson, Brobbel, Leon Scott, Rob Youhill, Jim Provett and Anthony Bell all started the game.

Veteran Provett was forced into an early save, but it was the Quakers who took the lead on eleven minutes.

The Billingham Town goalkeeper punched away a corner, but it dropped to Dowson who controlled well and smashed the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

It was 2-0 inside twenty minutes when Brobbel scored a brilliant solo goal. Picking up the ball in the middle of the park he took it forward and placed the ball into the corner of the net from outside the box.

Provett had to be alert at the other end, as he was forced into another two close range saves.

Darlington had the chance to make it 3-0 after half an hour when Dowson was fouled in the penalty area. However, Armstrong’s penalty was saved by the goalkeeper who managed to get his hand up and tip the shot onto the bar.

Armstrong then missed another chance as he wasted a one on one, before Dowson made it 3-0 after a great ball from Brobbel set him clear on goal.

Dowson grabbed his hat-trick at the start of the second half, as he fired across the keeper into the corner.

Armstrong, Brobbel and Bell were then replaced, as youngsters were given valuable game time in the final half an hour.

Both sides continued to create chances, however, poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept the score at 4-0.

The game saw some of the first team squad gain some valuable game time, while it also allowed the youngsters some experience against Northern League opposition.

Next up for the Quakers is Hyde United on Saturday at Heritage Park as the side return to league action.

Darlington team : Provett, Lazenby, Marley, Walton, Youhill, Brobbel, Padurariu, Scott, Bell, Armstrong, Dowson