Harriers started with three up front and it quickly looked like their ambition could pay dividends.
Bird whipped in a dangerous early right-wing cross which Darlington's key defender Liddle did well to win in the air and then clear. Tony Bird tested keeper Keen early on
Striker turned midfielder Bird then hit a low 30-yard daisy-cutter which on loan keeper Keen gathered at the second attempt.
The Darlington keeper was caught out on nine minutes when he miss-controlled Harper's back-pass and striker Hadley nipped in only for his shot to fall just wide of the target.
Durnin riffled A 20-yard drive inches wide after Bird cleverly dummied Shail's pass.
On 17 minutes, Harrier's Bennett struck another shot from distance but again it was off target.
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