A late goal from Ian Clark gave Darlington the perfect start to the new League Two season with a 1-0 home win against Grimsby Town.
The victory for the Quakers was their first on home soil on the opening day of a season since 1982 and was harsh on Grimsby who shaded the balance of play.
The Mariners' new boss Russell Slade has installed a new work ethic into his side since taking over and they looked physically stronger than Darlington throughout the encounter.
] On-loan striker Ashley Sestanovich was a thorn throughout for the home side and how Slade must wish that he could sign the Sheffield United man on a permanent basis.
He caused chaos throughout and it was only when he was substituted seven minutes from time that the Darlington shackles came off and they then grabbed the winner.
The visitors had their chances, especially in the 25th minute when Sestanovich robbed Brian Close in midfield, powered his way into the area and squared the ball to strike partner Darren Mansaram. However he was too casual with his effort and Sam Russell pulled of another excellent save.
Russell conceded five goals in a pre-season friendly last week but he performed on the day and it was his performance that kept Darlington in the game.
The former Middlesbrough keeper pulled of a string of great saves and when Sestanovich departed the home side immediately stormed upfield and substitute Neil Wainwright crossed for Clark who steered the ball beyond Tony Williams in the Mariners goal.