Exeter marked their return to the Football League after a five-year absence with a draw at Darlington.

The hosts began well and Jason Kennedy hit the bar before City keeper Paul Jones denied Billy Clarke three times.

They went ahead when George Friend fouled Clarke and Rob Purdie scored from the spot just before half-time.

Marcus Stewart headed wide for the visitors as they fought back and defender Dan Seaborne earned them a point with a far-post header.

Darlington: Brown, Purdie, White, Foster, Fortune (Austin 71), Poole, Kennedy, Ravenhill (Hulbert 69), Griffin, Proudlock (Blundell 69), Clarke.
Subs Not Used: Kazimierczak, Miller.

Goals: Purdie 40 pen.

Exeter: Jones, Tully, Seaborne, Matthew Taylor, Friend, Gill, Edwards, Harley, Stansfield, Stewart, Logan.
Subs Not Used: Marriott, Panther, McAllister, Basham, Sercombe.

Goals: Seaborne 60.

Att: 3,559.

Ref: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).