The visitors made a strong start to the game and they crafted a couple of early chances, one of which saw forward Nathan Cartman head the ball over on 7 minutes.

Darlington’s positive start was rewarded as they took the lead on 13 minutes through an Adam Mitchell free kick. Carmen was adjudged to have been pushed over and it allowed Mitchell to whip a free-kick into the box which curled all the way in at the back post.

The goal sparked the home side into life and they started to enjoy a good spell. Leepaul Scroggins curled a free kick wide on 18 minutes for the hosts before Josh Holland could only prod the ball wide after a good cross from the left.

South Shields were pushing for an equaliser and they nearly got it on 32 minutes when Ben Riding connected with a Wayne Philips corner, his header though was cleared off the line by Ian Watson.

Before the break Peter Jameson was called into action while at the opposite end Thomas Flynn denied Cartman with a near post save moments before half time.

After the interval chances were harder to come for either side. South Shields’ best effort came when David Foley volleyed over on 56 minutes.

The game remained tight but eventually Quakers sealed victory with two goals in the closing stages. On 75 minutes Mitchell scored his second of the game and third of pre-season as he latched onto a through ball and cooly slotted home.

Darlington completed the scoring just under 10 minutes later as Cartman prodded the ball home from close range after some good work down the right as Quakers completed another decent pre-season work out.

Darlington's next pre-season match is at Heritage Park on Tuesday night when they entertain York City.