Stockton Town were defeated by National League North side Darlington in their fourth pre-season match.
A clinical first-half showing had the visitors three to the good in treacherous weather conditions.
Nathan Harker kept the scores level with a handful of stunning stops early in the game.
But after 15 minutes, Darlington were ahead as Cedric Main buried a strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Only a few minutes later, Darlington were awarded a penalty when Main went to ground, which Aidan Rutledge stepped into and placed into the bottom right corner.
Rutledge doubled his tally 10 minutes later after some sublime footwork created space, curling a strike past Nathan Harker through a series of bodies.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-3 Darlington
Stockton pulled a goal back not long after the restart as Arjun Purewal powered home a Kev Hayes corner to get onto the scoresheet against his former team.
But Darlington were quick to restore their three-goal advantage when Will Hatfield fired in a wonderful free-kick.
Full-time: Stockton Town 1-4 Darlington
The Anchors are back in action on Tuesday evening, as Bishop Auckland visit the MAP Group UK Stadium
