TERRY Mitchell says Darlington's coaching team took heart from the way Quakers overcame a tricky start to eventually earn a draw with National League side York City.

Darlington's preparations for the coming National League North season continued with a 3-3 draw against the Minstermen at Blackwell Meadows on Tuesday night.

York were dominant early on and got themselves in front but after Darlington found their feet, they levelled on the stroke of a half-time through an own-goal after an excellent Will Hatfield free-kick.

Cedric Main put Quakers in front from the spot before York went 3-2 up thanks to a quickfire double. But Darlington hit back again, with Main scoring a second penalty.

"It was a really entertaining game for a pre-season friendly," said assistant boss Mitchell.

"Fair play to York City, they were really good for the first 20 minutes and we couldn't get to grips at first. Every credit to them for that but then we grew into it.

"I think the lads started moving the ball a bit better. York were well drilled and the more touches we had the easier it was for them.

"We weren't happy with the first half in general. I was impressed by York but we made it too easy for them. 

"The gaffer had a few words at half-time, put things right and we were much better in the second half."

Mitchell added: "Defensively we were disappointed with a few things, but it's pre-season and it's better seeing these things now. We will improve.

"We were really delighted with the attacking side of it in the second half. We moved the ball quicker, less touches, tried to play forward. Cedric and Jack (Maskell) were a handful."

Darlington continue their pre-season campaign with a trip to Morpeth on Saturday before friendlies against Dunston and Harrogate next week.

"Morpeth have recruited some good players so it will be a really strong test," said Mitchell.

"It's a good surface, an astroturf pitch, which is what Oxford City play on. It will be a good surface to play on."