Wilson's strike came soon after David Pipe levelled matters following McGurk's first-half header looked to have had Darlo well ahead.

The home side handed a home debut to ex-Celtic star Bobby Petta, and he proved to be a dangerous customer in the first-half by delivering a number of quality corners and passes as well as giving David Pipe a tough opening 45 minutes down the right.

However, it was Notts who forced the first real noteworthy chance of the first-half with Paul Bolland letting fly from distance but his effort whistled not far wide of the post.

Alun Armstrong powered an effort at Saul Deeney as Darlo pushed Notts back, and moments later Petta delivered a fine corner and David McGurk rose to head home after Armstrong forced the ball into his path.

The longer the half went on, the more Ian Richardson's side came into the game, and Glynn Hurst and Mark Stallard combined well for Hurst to power an effort at goal, only for a Quakers defender to throw himself at the ball and block the effort.

The second-half saw Notts come out and really get a grip on the game, having clearly been given a roasting at the break. Stallard came more into the game with his hold-up play and his strength laid on a fine chance for Pipe, who blasted the ball at goal but Russell did well to tip the ball over.

Confidence grew and just before the hour mark McFaul found Pipe with a fine pass, and the defender burst towards goal and after seeing an initial shot saved he picked up the pieces and poked the ball home. The Welshman was clearly delighted having netted Notts' first goal in three and a half games.

Mike Whitlow's return saw Notts look more solid at the back, and he almost marked his return with a goal but his shot lacked power and Russell made an easy save, but once again soon after Notts made up for the miss.

Ullathorne pumped a free kick into the area and Stallard once again showed his qualities by touching the ball on to Wilson, and from close range he slammed the ball into the net for what turned out to the winner.

Hurst then had a chance to make it 3-1 as he was put clean through, but he scuffed his effort and it was easily saved. It was Hurst's second real chance of the game having had another effort saved prior to Pipe's goal.

Darlo pushed forward with late pressure, and Alun Armstrong had a golden chance to bring the home side level as he raced onto a ball forward and Deeney missed the ball forward and Armstrong was presented with the goal at his mercy but somehow screwed it wide.

The whistle sounded soon afterwards, and Notts reward for hard work and a much improved performance was three superb points. Richardson will be hoping for a similar showing on Tuesday against Northampton.

Darlington: Sam Russell, McGurk, Liddle, Clarke, Close, Hignett (Wainwright 69), Webster (Craig Russell 13), Valentine, Petta (St Juste 69), Wijnhard, Armstrong.

Subs Not Used: Kendrick, Convery

Notts: Deeney, Pipe (Williams 75), Whitlow, Oakes, Gill, Hurst, Bolland, Ullathorne, Wilson, McFaul, Stallard

Subs Not Used: Elliott, Gordon, Scully, Harrad