WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON

Tonight's match against Buxton promises to be another test of our resilience and determination. Buxton are always formidable opponents, and games against them are rarely straightforward. Well organised and dangerous on the break, the Bucks will provide a stern challenge.

At the time of writing, they sit 13th in the league, having slipped out of the play‑off places following three defeats in their last five matches. Their top scorer is Tai Sodje, who has 11 goals and is the nephew of former Darlo forward Akpo Sodje.

There are further Darlington links in their squad: Kieran Burton, who made six appearances for us during the 2023/24 season, and Will Flint, a mainstay of last year's Quakers side who performed admirably throughout the campaign.

I'm hoping that the magic of a night under the floodlights delivers another memorable occasion at Blackwell Meadows. It's shaping up to be a battle well worth watching.

Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Buxton FC.

MATTY CORNISH

Matty has chosen to move on to pursue business interests away from football, and we fully respect his decision.

Matty will always be fondly remembered for the vital part he played in the 'Great Escape', contributing with energy, important goals and a brilliant attitude when the club needed it most. He leaves with our gratitude and very best wishes for the future.

AYLESBURY UNITED

Aylesbury United of the Southern League Division One Central (which is two steps below the Nation League North/South) are the latest club to join our community-owned ranks, and throughout the process their supporters' trust were advised by the FSA.

Their ownership model is slightly different to ours in that the majority shareholder will be a 'Community Interest Company', whereas DFCSG is a Community Benefit Society.

"3UP" CAMPAIGN HEADS TO EFL AGM AS MPS SHOW SUPPORT

MPs from across the House of Commons have showed their support for the National League's "3UP" campaign as the issue was due to be discussed at the EFL's 'all‑club meeting' on 5th March.

The EFL maintains that this is not a single-issue matter and one which requires detailed consideration of the other related issues and regulations at play, and close cooperation and constructive dialogue across the pyramid. The "3UP" campaign has popular support and last summer supporters voted to support the National League's campaign with a motion at the FSA AGM in Manchester.

A poll conducted by the FSA prior to that showed nine out of ten fans back the principle of increasing the promotion and relegation spaces between the EFL and the National League from two to three.

Interestingly, 8 out of the top 9 clubs in the National League are ex-Football League clubs, which surely won't go unnoticed by clubs in EFL2!

TRAVELLING AWAY ON THE SUPPORTERS' COACH

Our next scheduled away trip is on Saturday 21st March, when we make the trip to Peterborough Sports. The coach will depart from Park Place at 10.15am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).

The following Saturday (28th March), we travel to AFC Fylde and again the coach will depart from Park Place at 11.30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).

All bookings will need to be done via the DFC App (click on 'Shop'). We would urge supporters to remind themselves of our Conditions of Travel, particularly those under 18, at https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/away-travel-conditions-of-travel.