[4] He appeared for Darlington's reserves in the North-Eastern League,[4] as well as in Services football,[3] before making his senior debut in the Third Division on 20 December, replacing Ken Murray at inside left for a 3–0 defeat away to Southport.
He scored twice, at home to Accrington Stanley in March and Stockport County in April; on each occasion it was the only goal of the match.
He made his first appearance on 16 January 1954 in a 3–0 win away to Dunfermline Athletic, replacing George Dobbie, who had been posted abroad,[6] and kept the place for the remaining 12 league matches, during which he scored 10 goals.
Bradford City of the English Third Division were interested, and were reported to have held talks with the player,[8] but no move took place.
An appeal to the Scottish League's management committee to have his fee reduced was successful,[9] and he joined "A" Division club Stirling Albion.