Dutch defender Shelton Martis showed he will be a valuable addition to Quakers' squad in their 1-1 draw at Rushden on Saturday.
Martis, who was signed just a few days before the game, showed the qualities that will help Quakers launch a strong promotion challenge this season.
In particular his pace at the back will be a valuable attribute in a defence that looked much tighter than last season.
Manager David Hodgson said: "I thought he was outstanding. As well as his pace, he is strong and is a good passer of the ball."
Certainly Martis formed an instant understanding with his other defenders. But Darlington's problem at Nene Park was that they didn't turn their possession into chances and they lacked that final killer ball around the Rushden penalty area.
Instead they were more dangerous from set-pieces and could have made sure of the points before Rushden got going.
"There are a few aspects of our play that we need to work on, like our link-up play, but considering that it's the first game of the season, I'm satisfied with a point," said Hodgson, who celebrated his 45th birthday on Saturday. "I was disappointed we conceded an equaliser so soon after taking the lead."
Rushden didn't trouble keeper Sam Russell in the first-half, whereas Quakers' main threat came from free kicks.
Former Manchester City youngster Carlos Logan curled a left-footed free-kick against the post with the Rushden keeper beaten. Then Clyde Wijnhard put another free-kick from 20 yards just over the bar.
Quakers' superiority finally led to a goal after 57 minutes, but they had Rushden midfielder Neil McCafferty to thank for a needless handball under no pressure. Wijnhard tucked away the penalty.
But two minutes later, Rushden were level from Quakers' only defensive mistake of the match. The midfield was slow to pick up a clearing header from Ryan Valentine and Rushden midfielder David Bell burst through to beat Russell with a low shot into the bottom corner.
But Quakers could have won it in the dying minutes when Matt Clarke's header from Adrian Webster's corner grazed the post.
