A DEBUT goal from centre-back Paul Huntington fired Leeds United into the area quarter-finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Former Newcastle United defender Huntington, making his first United start, headed in from a 48th minute corner to seal a 1-0 victory at Darlington in last night's northern section second round tie.

The inclusion of Huntington was one of several changes made by manager Dennis Wise. The side was led by the returning Alan Thompson, and the vastly experienced David Lucas made his debut in goal.

Summer signing Curtis Weston figured in the game's first opening as he burst through the middle of the Quakers defence and found loan striker Wayne Andrews, who slipped as a goal beckoned.

Darlington's Julian Joachim went close to scoring against his former club after 20 minutes, but Lucas made a smart save.

Thompson lasted 57 minutes before Wise rested him in favour of Portuguese winger Filipe Da Costa.

Darlington: Oakes, Purdie, Foster, White, Ryan, Joachim, Keltie, Ravenhill (Cummins 78), Barrua (Wainwright 56), Blundell, Wright (Green 24). Subs (not used): Miller, Brooks-Meade.

Leeds United: Lucas, Richardson, Huntington, Heath (Clapham 46), Parker, Weston, Howson, Thompson (Da Costa 57), Westlake, Andrews (Ameobi 78), De Vries. Subs (not used): Martin, Bayly.

Referee: Michael Jones (Cheshire).

Attendance: 7,891.