CEDRIC Main has joined Vanarama National League North outfit Darlington from York City for an undisclosed fee.

Main made the switch to the Minstermen from Blyth Spartans in the summer, but returned to his former club on loan for the first half of the season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists across his 16 appearances.

City boss Neal Ardley this week confirmed to The Press that there had been "a lot of interest" in the highly-rated striker upon his return to the LNER Community Stadium, and to "watch this space."

But now former York manger Steve Watson has beaten off the competition for Main's signature, in part thanks to the club's successful mid-season Boost the Budget campaign.

He will now join Scott Barrow at Blackwell Meadows as the Quakers seek to improve upon their precarious 22nd placed league position.

The 26-year-old began his career in the Netherlands with FC Gronigen, before spending time with Spanish sides CF La Nucia and Almagro CF.

A spell with FC United of Manchester in the Pitching In Northern Premier League followed in 2021 before Main joined South Shields, where he went on to make 18 appearances.

He then joined forces with former Shields manager Graham Fenton at Blyth in September 2022, scoring three times in the league - and all four in an impressive 4-2 triumph over Buxton in the Isuzu FA Trophy - before his move to York.

Darlington assistant manager Terry Mitchell hopes that the proven National League North striker can bring the goals that they need to stay in the division.

He told the club's website: “We’re delighted to sign Cedric on a permanent basis.

"He’s an exciting player, and gives us something different up front. He’s got a lot of pace, and as his scoring record shows, he’s a proven striker in this league.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen this area of the team in recent weeks, and hopefully he’ll bring us the goals we need.

“We’d like to thank the fans because without their contributions to Boost the Budget, we wouldn’t have been able to sign him.”

Main could make his Darlington debut against a Hereford side including York City midfielder Maz Kouhyar tomorrow afternoon.