Three brilliant first-half strikes, as well as a final nail in the coffin on the cusp of added time sealed all three points for Darlington, in a match that saw Radcliffe undone by long-range efforts despite initially taking the lead through Jordan Hulme after 19 minutes.

Three changes were made to the starting side that picked up a point against Peterborough Sports in midweek, Josh Hancock returned from suspension whilst Mo Doro and Lucas Weaver entered the XI, the latter looking to build on his first league goal for the club on Tuesday night.

Anthony Dudley was called upon to do his defensive duties after nine minutes with a sliding tackle to deny the visitors an opportunity as Matty Cornish looked to be slipped through on goal, before Darlington made a crucial challenge of their own through Kallum Griffiths inside the six-yard area moments later, blocking an inevitable opener from Jordan Hulme who seemed destined to score.

The striker would gain another chance just before the 20-minute mark and this time he’d take it in his stride to break the deadlock. Brad Roscoe’s header hit the woodwork and Hulme was perfectly placed to tap into the back of the net from close range, netting his fifth of the season

However, it would only take the away side seven minutes to flip the game on its head and take the lead. Danny Greenfield’s rash challenge on Will Hatfield awarded Darlington a free kick in a promising, central position and the midfielder rested the responsibility on his shoulders, converting in style by blasting into the top right corner of the net.

With a similar finish, this time from open play, Caden Kelly latched onto Cornish’s pass inside before arrowing a goal of the season contender beyond Mateusz Hewelt, straight into the top right stanchion.

After falling behind, Radcliffe continued to press for their second goal with chances for Rick Smith and Weaver, the Altrincham loanee did find the back of the net with a simple finish from close range, but Greenfield was deemed to be offside in the build up when he laid it on a plate inside the area.

As the game entered first-half added time, Darlington netted a third to take a comfortable two-goal lead into the break. Kallum Griffiths bypassed Matt Sargent in the centre of the park to open up a pocket of space to take aim from 30 yards, scoring yet another eye-catching goal which the Radcliffe goalkeeper couldn’t keep out, despite his best efforts.

Moments after the restart, Lois Maynard’s switch to the right flank found Weaver and his surging run allowed time to deliver an inviting ball into the area of uncertainty, Peter Jameson had to beat away at the front post and Radcliffe couldn’t take advantage on the rebound.

After 67 minutes, Kelly came inches away from dispatching his second of the afternoon with an audacious effort from just inside his own half, leaving the crossbar reverberating and Cameron Salkeld’s touch forced possession too far wide on the second ball.

Jameson was called into action to keep out Maynard’s goal-bound header from Walker’s set piece as the fixture entered the final ten minutes, maintaining his team’s two-goal lead with a solid save across to his right-hand side.

The Boro proceeded in their attacking attempts leaving themselves exposed in the process. Darlington took full advantage of this and via Jack Lambert’s through ball, Cedric Main nonchalantly cut inside and slotted beyond Hewelt to wrap up all three points.

A heavily-changed Radcliffe side will travel to Thornton Cleveleys looking to get back to winning ways in the Lancashire Trophy on Tuesday night, before Isuzu FA Trophy action returns as we make the journey to Solihull Moors on Saturday afternoon.