City gave Peter Taylor a Valley Parade winning start with their first home triumph for four months.

James Hanson's first-half header - his ninth goal of the season - clinched a first success in front of their own fans since October 24.

It's also the first time City have won back-to-back games since the beginning of September.

City did enough to win a poor game, though the performance was not pretty against a side with one foot in the Conference.

New boy Mark McCammon, who went off after an hour, went close before Hanson broke the deadlock in the 26th minute, powering home a Gareth Evans cross.

City were on top for the first half and Matt Clarke nearly made it two from an excellent free-kick by Robbie Threlfall.

Basement club Darlington came into it more after the break as City struggled to get going. They forced several corners without seriously worrying Matt Glennon.

The home side had chances to increase the lead. Michael Boulding headed past the near post and keeper Shane Redmond made a fine reaction save to deny Evans.

But there was an anxious final few minutes to survive before the run of eight winless home games was finally put to bed.