David Steel | 25th 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 Buxton game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
What a result at South Shields, did anyone see that 4-0 win coming our way?
Credit to Steve Watson for shuffling the pack at half-time, with Scott Barrow switching to centre-back and looking very composed. Lively second-half performances from Cedric Main, Matty Cornish and Mitch Curry capped off an impressive day out. Now the challenge is putting a positive run of results together.
It was great to see a large contingent of travelling supporters give superb backing to the lads and I must extend a big thank you to everyone who helped to relieve congestion in the away end.
Today we entertain Buxton FC. At the time of writing, The Bucks occupy 14th place in the league but have been on a decent run of three wins, one draw and one defeat in their last five games. The defeat was a somewhat bizarre 0-6 home defeat at the hands of Warrington Town.
Diego De Girolamo is the club's top scorer on ten goals whilst Buxton's squad also features Tom Elliot, who played 41 games for Darlo during the 2018/19 season.
It's good to see Mark Hine in hospitality today. Mark was a committed and tough tackling midfielder who played 128 times for Darlo between 1986 and 1989.
What a time to be a Darlo player! Relegation into non-league followed by immediate promotion back into the Fourth Division.
Mark moved onto Peterborough United in 1989 for a rumoured £50k and made a total of 250 appearances in the Football League, before playing non-league football for a host of clubs including Gateshead, Spennymoor United, Harrogate Town and Stalybridge Celtic.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Buxton FC. Enjoy the game!
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 had both a 'match worn' Ben Hedley 2022/23 season shirt and a framed picture of the man himself to giveaway to one lucky fan.
The raffle took place at 8pm on Wednesday 14th February 2024 and the lucky winner was Koby Jack. Many congratulations, Koby! We hope you enjoy your shirt and framed picture of Ben.
DARLO DOUBLE DELIGHT
Two local schools representing Darlington FC at the National League Under 11s Cup have both progressed through to the North Finals after a day at Soccer Sensations in Stockton organised by Hartlepool FC Community Trust.
Our congratulations go to the girls' team from St. Augustine's Primary School and the boys (mixed) team from Mowden Junior School. The teams were kitted-out in full Darlington FC colours provided by DFCSG.
Both teams now progress to the North Finals to be held in Staveley on March 21st with the winners of this tournament going on to play the winners of the South Finals at Wembley as part of the National League Play-Off Final!
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next away fixture is at Curzon Ashton on Tuesday (27th February). As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 4pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).
We will not be running a coach to Spennymoor Town on Saturday 9th March because there are regular direct bus services between Darlington and Spennymoor town centre.
The Arriva No. 8 service departs from Stand H on Tubwell Row (outside the 'Tubwell Tap') at 5 minutes to the hour and takes just over an hour. The return journey departs Spennymoor High Street at 8 minutes to the hour.
For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.
