David Steel | 2nd March 2025
Missed Saturday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Brackley game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
The tough run continues! Brackley Town always present a challenge, whether it be home or away.
The Saints are once again backed with a big playing budget with one objective in mind - promotion. Brackley have finished every season in the top four since 2017/18, which is some achievement.
At the time of writing, Brackley occupy 3rd place on 61 points, four points off top spot with a game in hand. There's every chance that gap will have closed following a midweek home tie against strugglers Rushall Olympic.
We lost the reverse fixture 2-1 following an 87-minute winner from Zak Lilley back in November, which felt somewhat undeserved on the balance of play. Cedric Main bagged a penalty on the day, we defended brilliantly and had multiple chances to take the lead, including a long-range effort from Kal Griffiths (scorer of worldies).
The Cedric Main/Hazeem Bakre partnership is starting to click, and they looked incredibly dangerous on the break against Kings Lynn Town. The general consensus was that with some composed finishing we’d have won comfortably. Hopefully the goals will start to flow.
We continue to push for the play-offs and I'm sure Steve & Terry will have a points target in mind.
However, the pitch is a worry. We're set up to play attractive passing football, which is a real challenge on a heavy, bobbly surface. Nathan, the Head Groundsman, works very hard to deliver a good playing surface, but the high number of games played on the main pitch, has taken its toll. It's certainly an important issue for us to resolve in partnership with the Rugby Club.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Brackley Town.
FOOTBALL FINANCE
Unfortunately, we have seen two clubs known very well known to Darlo supporters – Farsley Celtic and Blyth Spartans – recently launch fundraising appeals to safeguard their immediate futures.
Three months ago, the majority ownership of Blyth Spartans AFC was transferred over to the Community Interest Company (CIC) with the purpose of safeguarding the existence of the club on behalf of supporters and the wider community.
The CIC now has a much clearer picture of the financial position of the club. What has become clear is that it is not sustainable, and the urgent appeal is to close the gap between income and expenditure, whilst they develop a five-year plan to "rebuild this club and restore it, sustainably to former glories".
Farsley Celtic are appealing for fans and the wider community to get behind the crowdfunder which seeks to ensure the club's sustainability until the end of the season.
Darlo fans will be aware that Farsley have not played any games at home for the past ten months due to delays on installing a new artificial pitch. The club's immediate plan is to raise sufficient funds to reinstate a grass pitch at their Citadel ground.
DARLINGTON FOOTBALL CLUB HALL OF FAME
As mentioned elsewhere in the programme, we will have some special guests in hospitality for the induction of the second tranche of individuals to the Darlington FC 'Hall of Fame'.
This project is the brainchild of DAFTS (Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters), who are a social group of exiled supporters.
This afternoon’s proceedings are being conducted by DAFTS members, Tony Waters and Ted Blair, and I would like to express our thanks for their excellent contribution to this project.
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next scheduled away trip is this coming Saturday 8th March, when we travel to Hereford. The coach will depart from Park Place at 8.30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).
The following trip will be to Peterborough Sports on Saturday 15th March. The coach will depart from Park Place at 10am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).
Don’t forget, for anyone that hasn't previously travelled on one of our away coaches, we're still offering 'Ten Pound Taster Trips' (£13 for non-members).
For details on how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel' section and new online booking system for all away travel, please click here.
