Quakers kicked off their summer programme with workmanlike victories over Blyth Spartans and Sunderland Under-21s, but Steve Watson’s side produced a much more polished display as they proved too strong for Stockton.
“I think it was a good team performance,” said Aidan Rutledge, who claimed two of Darlington’s four goals. “We did well to win the Sunderland and Blyth games, but we knew we could play better. The gaffer moved things around and it worked really well. I thought everybody linked well, and it was good to get a couple of goals as well.
“It’s three wins from three, but it’s all just about getting ready for that first game of the season against Chorley. It’s good. We just need to keep that winning mentality and keep winning games.”
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Stockton goalkeeper Nathan Harker had already pulled off three good saves by the time Darlington opened the scoring in the 14th minute. Cedric Main picked up the ball outside the area and fired a clinical finish into the bottom right-hand corner.
Rutledge claimed his first goal three minutes later, converting from the penalty spot after Main had been fouled in the box.
A third goal arrived before the half-hour mark, with Rutledge dribbling past two Stockton defenders before firing home from outside the area.
Stockton pulled a goal back in the second half through former Darlington player Arjun Purewal, who headed home at the near post from a corner.
But Quakers added a fourth shortly after as Will Hatfield curled home from a direct free-kick.
Spennymoor Town were also in action yesterday as their striker, Glen Taylor, was awarded a testimonial against a Stockport County XI.
Moors were 3-0 winners at the Brewery Field, with Alfie Doherty opening the scoring in the 72nd minute as he slotted past former Moors loanee Max Metcalfe.
Mackenzie Heaney doubled Spennymoor’s lead from close range with five minutes remaining, before Kingston Butler completed the scoring as he converted from the penalty spot, with Taylor having been withdrawn to a standing ovation moments earlier.