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.