David Steel | 24th December 2023
Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Bishop's Stortford game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
It's good to be back playing football again after persistent bad weather brought an unscheduled 'winter break'.
Josh & Danny have used the time wisely to work on fitness, tactics, and recruitment. I'm told that our new Greek midfielder, Sonil Vasileiou, is the first Darlington player to have all 5 vowels in his name…that's one for the stattos!
Josh is constantly looking for players to strengthen the squad and DFCSG will launch a mid-season Boost the Budget in January to support the Club's recruitment drive.
Recent home games against Warrington and Rushall were incredibly frustrating as we deserved all six points rather than the two points we secured. I spoke to the Warrington Directors after the game, and they were impressed with our performance, confessing to being second best. If the performances continue to improve, then the points will soon accumulate.
Bishop's Stortford are struggling to adjust to life in the National League North and, at the time of writing, sit bottom of the table. The Blues recent form hasn't been great, although they did record an impressive 3-1 win against Buxton at the beginning of November.
Our last encounter ended in an 0-1 defeat with Darren Foxley scoring the only goal. Quakers were managed by our senior pros Will Hatfield, Jake Lawlor and Tom Platt who deserved more for the efforts after Darlo dominated possession and chances created.
The guys can focus on the playing side of things today and will be looking to exact swift revenge.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Bishop's Stortford. Enjoy the game!
HER GAME TOO
We are delighted with last month's announcement of the formal partnership between the Club and Her Game Too, a voluntary campaign run by a group of female supporters who are passionate about football and working to eradicate sexism in the football industry.
It wants women and girls of all ages to feel confident and safe sharing their opinion about football both online and in real life without fear of sexist abuse.
We are also very proud that a DFCSG Director, Joanne Cameron, has been appointed as a Her Game Too Ambassador! Joanne commented: "As an ambassador for Her Game Too, I want to actively promote HGT's vision, tackle sexism in football, promote equality and ensure football is a sport for all. It should be a welcoming environment for everyone."
"As well as playing an active role at my own club, I will also extend this to schools and junior teams in my area." Many congratulations Joanne!
LATE CHRISTMAS GIFT – DFC OWNERSHIP!
At just £25 a year or £2.09 a month, DFC fan ownership makes for a great Christmas gift for the Darlo fan in your life! Our fan ownership group of c1,270 includes the likes of Josh Gowling, Ben Hedley, Tommy Taylor, Toni Upton, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Gavin Worboys, Peter Kirkham, Paul Ward and Kasabian's Chris Edwards, all of whom have a say in how our football club is run.
If you're interested in becoming a DFC Owner, or wanting to buy it for someone else as a late Christmas gift, then click here.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Scarborough on Boxing Day (Tuesday 26th December). As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 10.15am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £23 (£12 juniors) and adult non-members is £26 (£13 juniors).
On Saturday 6th January 2024 we’ll be making a trip to King’s Lynn. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £28 (£14 juniors) and adult non-members is £31 (£16 juniors).
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
