Magpies @ Northern Echo Arena:

This was our fourth Arena visit since debuting here for a reserve fixture in 2004 and losing 1-4.

First team kickabouts were then staged here in 2009 - when United won 7-2 - and two years later in 2011, when our 2-0 victory was overshadowed by a ridiculous pitch invasion.

And 12 months ago in 2016, Peter Beardsley's U23 side ran out 5-1 winners here in pre-season.

Pre-season pitch time (in minutes):

Dan Barlaser 45=45
Kyle Cameron 45=45
Luke Charman 45=45
Juan Cumbrera (aka Juanito) 45=45
Yasin Ben El-Mhanni 45=45
Stuart Findlay 45=45
Owen Gallacher 45=45
Macaulay Gillesphey 45=45
Curtis Good 45=45
Nathan Harker 45=45
Jack Hunter 45=45
Otto Huuhtanen 45=45
Ben Kitchen 45=45
Sean Longstaff 45=45
Michael Newberry 45=45
Stefan O'Connor 45=45
Callum Smith 45=45
Liam Smith 45=45
Ivan Toney 45=45
Dan Ward 45=45
Callum Williams 45=45
Yosef Yarney 45=45

Waffle

12 months after a 5-1 victory here, United's reserve side returned to the Northern Echo Arena on Monday night - but proved not to be quite so prolific in front of goal second time round.

Debuting their blue away kit and with recent arrival Stefan O'Connor in the starting lineup, the Magpies quickly got into their stride, Sean Longstaff and Ivan Toney both reprising their 2016 scoring exploits at this venue.

Back after a loan spell at Kilmarnock, Longstaff shot United ahead on eight minutes after receiving a low centre from Callum Smith on the left, and taking a touch before finishing from 14 yards.

On a glorious night that lead was doubled just three minutes later, as O'Connor's ball into the box from the left was taken by Toney with his back to goal. The striker's dummy shook off marker Chris Hunter and gave him the space to turn and convert a rising shot for what was a carbon copy of an effort while out on loan at Scunthorpe United last season.

Returning to their former home for one night only, Darlo should have been three down on 24 minutes when Peter Jameson's mishit clearance fell straight to Toney and the goalkeeper took his legs away.

However the visiting number 9 lined up awkwardly and his sent his poorly-struck spot kick straight at the 'keeper, who was able to block with ease.

A third goal did follow soon after but it was the Quakers who got it, Nathan Cartman's strong forward run ending with a ball across the box for trialist striker Scott Fenwick to shoot home.

The lively Toney then rolled a shot against the base of the post after making space in the box on 41 minutes, before Darlington's trialist scorer had the ball in the net again just on half-time - but was flagged offside.

A different Magpies XI took to the field for the second period, with new acquisition Josef Yarney appearing in a back four that lined up in front of 17 year-old Finnish goalkeeper, Otto Huuhtanen. 

The Quakers also made multiple changes as the game progressed and became increasingly dominate, although United created a handful of chances without scoring again - Liam Smith and Owen Gallacher both finding Jameson with shots after bearing down on goal. 

Darlington thought they'd equalised with 13 minutes left when Jordan Richards curled in a free-kick from the left that eluded everyone including Huuhtanen - only for a raised flag to rightly curtail celebrations again.

And an ill-advised backpass on 79 minutes almost cost United dear, Huuhtanen surrendering possession as a substitute chased him down, but recovered enough to disrupt the shot before Yarney cleared off the line.

However there was no more scoring in what was a decent enough contest for a kickabout on what is a rugby pitch that meant some variable bounce and a crater where the centre spot should be.

Despite losing, narrowing the margin of defeat from 12 months ago and generally looking more competitive left home fans optimistic of improving on last season - when a playoff place was denied them due to issues with their Blackwell Meadows home. 

Mowden Park rugby club - and their Geordie Chairman - made what is now their home available so that tonight's game could be staged, while work on the pitch and spectator facilities at Blackwell Meadows continues.

Peter Beardsley's side now move on to face National League neighbours Gateshead at the International Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3pm).

Biffa