Darlington 2 Southport 0

Maskell 9 mins 1-0, Howells 11 mins 2-0

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Two goals in three first half minutes gave battling Quakers their first home win of the season.

And they also had to do that with just ten men, as defender Elliot Forbes was dismissed for two yellow cards in the second half. But despite the disadvantage, Quakers organised themselves well, and didn't allow Southport many chances

All three Quaker debutants made great starts, especially nkeeper Daryll Ombang, who made some good saves. Max Howells scored the second goal, and Paddy McLaughlin ran the midfield..

With three new signings in the side, Quakers created the first chance on 5 minutes when Jack Maskell set up Cedric Main who had a low shot pushed away by keeper Chris Renshaw.

Paddy McLaughlin had a good effort on 8 minutes when the ball broke to him 25 yards out, and he hit a right foot shot over the bar.

Quakers took the lead on 9 minutes. Forbes broke out of defence, played a 1-2 with Main and crossed for Maskell, who brought the ball down well and beat Renshaw with a right foot shot for his sixth goal of the season.

It only took another two minutes to score the second. The ball was played back to Renshaw, who took too long and let Aidan Rutledge close him down, and the ball ran loose for debutant Max Howells to roll home.

Southport tried to hit back, and won their first corner on 19 minutes, but Quakers’ defence headed the ball away. The visitors gained another corner a minute later, and Ombang got down well to his left and pushed away a volley by Lavelle to loud cheers from the Tin Shed.

Quakers returned to the attack, and Maskell had a shot charged down on the edge of the box.

Ombang drew more cheers from the crowd when he confidently tipped a Ginahoua effort over the bar, and then he pushed another attempt away by Jordan Slew from the Southport left.

It was nearly 3-0 just on half time, Lennon’s right foot shot was spilled by the keeper, and in the scramble that followed, Howells fired against the bar.

In Quakers next attack, Ben Hedley hit a right foot shot that Renshaw fumbled over the bar.

Half time Darlington 2 Southport 0

Quakers nearly scored soon after half time, Lennon made a great run up the left and crossed into the middle, where Maskell had a header saved by Renshaw.

Southport then had a spell of pressure, including a couple of corners, which Quakers dealt with.

Maskell was a constant threat to the away defence, and when he chested the ball down again in the Southport box, a defender just got a toe to the ball, which ran just past the post.

Quakers were reduced to ten men on 66 minutes when Forbes was shown his second yellow card for a foul 25 yards out, and after the free kick was taken, Tye Barton came on for Lennon. Five minutes later, Tom Allan came on for Howells and then Matty Cornish came on for Rutledge.

Quakers were forced back and there were some good headed clearances in the Darlington box, but when Ombang was required, he made a great fingertip save from Gnahoua

Southport forced a late corner , but McLaughlin, who had enjoyed a great debut, got the ball away at the near post. Maskell then drew applause for a challenge on the halfway line to stop Southport’s next attack

Team: Ombang, Hedley, Lees, Forbes, Barrow, Howells (sub Allan 73), McLaughlin, McGowan, Lennon (sub Barton 68), Main (sub Rutledge 10 mins, sub Cornish 77)), Maskell

Subs: McGrath, Stanton, Platt,

Bookings: McGowan

Two yellows: Forbes