David Steel | 11th February 2024
Missed today's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Alfreton Town game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
My overwhelming sentiment is that we deserved at least two points from our last two away games. Sadly, you don't always get what you deserve in football.
On a positive note, Steve Watson's team is taking shape and performances are improving. Everyone's focus is now turning performances into results. Seven wins from the remaining 16 games is a challenging but achievable target that would secure our status in National League North.
The directors, management, players, and staff will continue to fight until the very last kick of the season.
Today we entertain Alfreton Town, who are usually tough opponents. The Reds are managed by Billy Heath; an experienced manager who knows this league inside out.
It would be dangerous to pigeonhole Alfreton as a direct, long ball team. Alfreton have got some very good footballers, including Jordan Thewlis, Liam Waldock and Lewis Salmon, who all provide a different dimension to Billy Heath’s line-up.
Nathan Newall is also likely to feature for The Reds. Nathan played really well for Darlo whilst on loan from Sunderland last season.
Alfreton currently occupy 9th place and are pushing for a play-off place. Recent form has been mixed and includes draws with Warrington, Peterborough Sports and Tamworth, a victory against Southport and defeat to Chorley.
It's good to see Gary Twynham in hospitality today. Gary began his career at Manchester United in the same youth team as Beckham, Giggs, Scholes and the Neville brothers. Gary signed for Darlo in 1996, playing 28 times and scoring 3 goals.
Gary left for Gateshead shortly after appearing on the subs bench in the 1996 play-off final, which we lost 1-0 at to Neil Warnock’s Plymouth Argyle. Our squad that day featured many fans favourites including Matty Appleby, Andy Crosby, Sean Gregan, Steve Gaughan, Gary Bannister, Robbie Painter, and Robbie Blake.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Alfreton Town. Enjoy the game!
DARLINGTON FC HALL OF FAME
Last November the first nominees were inducted to the Darlington Football Club Hall of Fame. These were players who had represented the Club specifically during the 1960s.
We are now moving on to the next phase of the project and we are asking fans to get involved again by nominating individuals who made an outstanding contribution to their enjoyment as a Darlington fan during the 1970s.
So, if you were watching Darlo in the 1970s, we would like to hear from you. Nominees could have had a long and distinguished career or be renowned for specific qualities or achievements.
Each fan is entitled to submit a maximum of two nominations.
You need to be logged in to your YOURCLUB account to submit your nominations. If you have forgotten your password, email neil.raper@darlingtonfc.org for assistance. If you don’t have a YOURCLUB account, it is free to register.
Nominations close at 6pm this coming Monday (12th February 2024).
YOURCLUB SUBSCRIBER & DFC OWNER SHIRT GIVEAWAY
As part of our ongoing commitment to improve the DFC fan experience, we hold quarterly DFC merchandise raffles that YOURCLUB subscribers and/or DFC Owners can enter for free!
This quarter we have both a 'match worn' Ben Hedley 2022/23 season shirt and a framed picture of the man himself to giveaway to one lucky fan.
To enter, all you need to be is a DFC Owner (ie, a DFCSG member) or a free YOURCLUB subscriber. Go to 'Polls' in 'Your Account' on YOURCLUB, click on 'YC Subscriber Shirt Raffle - February 2024', and follow the instructions. It is that easy!
The raffle draw will take place at 8pm on Wednesday 14th February 2024.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is just up the road at South Shields on Saturday 17th February. As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 12pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £20 (£10 juniors) and adult non-members is £23 (£12 juniors).
On Tuesday 20th February, we'll be making the trip to Boston United. The coach will depart from Park Place at 3.30pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
