An own goal from defender Matty Plummer and strikes from Kieran Richardson, Paul McShane and Roy O'Donovan at the Northern Echo Darlington Arena got the Barclays Premier League side's pre-season campaign off to a winning start on a night when they were rarely troubled.

A crowd of 5,871, almost 4,000 of them from Wearside, boosted the League Two side's coffers as they continue to battle their way back from administration.

second attempt

Wigan Athletic manager Roberto Martinez saw his side crash 1-0 at League Two outfit Crewe Alexandra on Thursday evening in his first friendly match in charge.

Joe Grant's 35th-minute goal, firing home at the second attempt after Chris Kirkland saved, was enough to claim the spoils at Gresty Road.

The Latics fielded several first-team regulars - such as Kirkland, Titus Bramble, Paul Scharner and Charles N'Zogbia - but a second-half effort from substitute Mario Melchiot that hit the post was as close as they came.