DARLINGTON last night made their first signing since the end of the season by bringing in right-winger Rob Youhill from Harrogate RA.

He was an impressive performer for Railway this season and caught the eye in both league encounters with Quakers, scoring a fine individual goal to open the scoring when the teams met at Heritage Park in October.

His arrival sees him reunited with striker Nathan Cartman, who had Youhill to thank for helping the striker score so many goals before joining Darlington in January.

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The pair were in tandem for three seasons, and no doubt Darlington manager Martin Gray will hope they can rekindle their partnership in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

Youhill’s arrival came on the same day that Darlington announced new contracts for four players: Tom Portas, Liam Hatch, Gary Brown and David Dowson.

The length of their deals was not revealed, though Quakers saw Player of the Year Portas has put pen to paper on a long-term deal.

Hatch’s new deal marks a remarkable transformation in his standing at Darlington as he was on the verge of leaving the club midway through the season.

Out of favour after being sent off early in an FA Trophy defeat to St Neots Town in November, Gray said he was available for transfer in January, but Hatch worked his way back into contention and ended up scoring a crucial equaliser in the play-off semi-final win over Spennymoor Town.

Meanwhile, the constitution for Darlington’s division next season was revealed by the Football Association yesterday, and they have spared Quakers a visit to Norfolk.

After a meeting of the Leagues Committee , the FA announced that Kings Lynn have been moved to the Southern League Premier Division.

The fixtures shall be announced on Friday, July 17.

Northern Premier League Premier Division: Ashton United, Barwell, Blyth Spartans, Buxton, Colwyn Bay, Darlington, Frickley Athletic, Grantham Town, Halesowen Town, Hyde, Ilkeston, Marine, Matlock Town, Mickleover Sports, Nantwich Town, Ramsbottom United, Rushall Olympic, Salford City, Skelmersdale United, Stamford, Stourbridge, Sutton Coldfield Town, Whitby Town, Workington

*Tickets are available for tomorrow evening’s comedy night in aid of the Back to Darlo initiative.

Taking place at Blackwell Meadows, it stars Tony Jameson and Andy Fury.

Doors open at 7pm, the show starts at 8pm with tickets costing £10 and available from hilaritybites.co.uk and Mark Adams on 07990-852000.

*See tomorrow’s The Northern Echo for an interview with Rob Youhill

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