Cooper's first season with Darlington in 2010–11 was deemed a success. After a rocky start to the season the team recovered, going on a run of only one defeat in 20 league and cup matches from January 2011, eventually finishing in a creditable league position of 7th. Darlington under Cooper's guidance also reached the second round of the FA Cup, and beat Mansfield Town 1–0 at Wembley to win the 2011 FA Trophy Final. Following what the chairman described as "recent results ... closer to relegation form than promotion form", Cooper was dismissed as Darlington manager on 24 October 2011.