Darlington reached the end of 2014 in second position, which is where they finished last season, but appear better equipped to go one better and win promotion.

They were in contention throughout last season, moving up from fourth on January 1 to finish second, but fell short when it mattered.

Play-off defeat in May hurt, and the manner of losing left a bitter taste – referee Kevin Mulraine’s failure to red-card Owen Roberts for a knee-high challenge on Leon Scott in the opening minutes still rankles. But it was a deserved defeat. Ramsbottom United were a better team, they’d beaten Quakers home and away in the league, as did title winners Curzon Ashton, who finished first at a canter.

Although nobody has taken a commanding lead at the top this time, at the halfway stage Darlington are well placed with three games in hand on leaders Northwich Victoria and third-placed Salford City, who, despite being well-backed financially, have shown to be beatable.

The indications are promising for Quakers. They have lost only twice and have easily the best defensive record in the division, Alan White’s top form at the age of 38 being a factor.

The team spirit on show when down to ten men during an FA Trophy defeat at St Neots Town bodes well, while manager Martin Gray has a settled side which effectively picks itself.

He has an array of attacking options, and in midfielder Tom Portas and striker Graeme Armstrong made two summer additions that have strengthened the squad markedly.

In contrast to his sometimes volatile touchline demeanour, Gray, remains measured in his approach. Never looking too far ahead, one game at a time is his mantra. In 21 games time, however, he should be celebrating another promotion.

2014 record (all competitions): P51 W31 D9 L11 F111 A51. Win ratio: 60.78%

Star of the Year - Amar Purewal. For too long he’s been in Stephen Thompson’s shadow, but Purewal’s been a regular scorer since 2012 and enjoyed deserved recognition when netting his 50th goal in his 90th appearance.

Flop of the Year - Adam Reed. There were high hopes when the midfielder arrived just after the start of the season having previously played for Burton and York City, but he made little impact and was soon released.

Goal of the Year - Stephen Thompson. v Mossley (Nov 8) As with most of his previous eye-catching efforts, this came away from home, but at least it was caught on camera, a lob from the corner of the penalty area.

Moment of the Year - The arrivals of Tom Portas and Graeme Armstrong (May 2014) Both have become integral to the promotion push since signing from Whitby, Portas providing craft in midfield and Armstrong becoming the squad’s leading scorer with 14 goals.