My first match was against Crewe in 1959 - a 1-1 draw.

 

I became a junior season ticket holder a couple of years later and one of the original 'Tin Shedenders'. I saw some great matches in that era; West Ham, Bolton, Arsenal and others, and a great promotion year in 1965/66 under Lol Morgan.

 

I moved away for a few years but became re-engaged in the 1990's.

 

Without doubt my most memorable memory was walking up 'Wembley Way' in 1996 with my young son Duncan. Play-offs at Wembley were only six years old and here was our team, Darlington, taking on Plymouth. Despite the result it is still the best day out of my life.

 

 

My favourite player for DFC, Matty Appleby, got the consolation 'Man of Match' award.

 

Duncan, who is now a surveyor, did a free survey of Blackwell Meadow and surrounds for the club back in 2019 when there was hope of development. No dispute where that pipe is now!

 

I loved the era of Brian Little's management and obviously he was destined for greater things, unfortunately.

 

 

I suppose my most memorable away game came a couple of years ago at Gloucester when we won 6-2 to go top of NLN. The rest is history. The worst away experience came a couple of weeks ago at Oxford City (enough said!).

 

I would just like to show my appreciation to our CEO, David Johnston, for all his hard work behind the scenes on behalf of our club as he strives to get us a new home. Not forgetting Steve and Terry, of course, who I am confident will be leading us in the National League next year!

 

 

I make no apologies for this playlist - I am old!: