DFCSG News - Curzon Ashton, 5th Aug 2023

David Steel | 6th August 2023

Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Curzon Ashton game.

WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON, DFCSG CHAIR

Welcome to Blackwell Meadows and the opening fixture of the 2023/2024 season.

Last season began with a 3-1 win against Gloucester City with Jabob Hazel, Mark Beck and Kaine Felix getting on the scoresheet. Let's hope for a similarly successful start to the season, although Curzon Ashton will be no pushover as evidenced by the 0-2 reverse towards the end of last season.

The Nash strengthen their squad with the addition of striker Jimmy Spencer in February and have added, amongst others, Alex Kenyon (Chester) and Miles Storey (Hereford) during the close season.

Having said that, we've also made some cracking signings with Tom Platt and Toby Lees looking particularly impressive. There could be up to six new signings in the starting 11 so it'll be interesting to see how the lads click.

August will undoubtedly be a tough month for Darlo with away fixtures at Hereford, Scunthorpe and Alfreton and home matches against Brackley and South Shields - all of which should be pushing for promotion. Our vocal away following will be very important.

The close season has been very busy with a record breaking Boost The Budget (what an incredible response from everyone!), 900+ season ticket sales, the new kit launch, and packed pre-season schedule. We're currently preparing an application for grant funding to upgrade the floodlights at Blackwell Meadows. More news to follow on that soon...

Jon

ARE PYRO AND PITCH INVASIONS LEGAL?

Elsewhere in the programme the Club has detailed the actions it is taking following the FA's response to the incident at Scarborough on New Year's Day.

It is timely that that the Football Supporters Association has published a very interesting article about the legalities surrounding pyros and pitch invasions. The weblink for the article is here:

Some key points in respect of pyros:

The law does not differentiate between flares, smoke bombs or fireworks;
You can be arrested and charged for being in possession of a pyro (ignited or not)
- if you are "entering or trying to enter" a football match (including areas in advance of the turnstiles);
- At any time during a match and in any area where the match can be viewed (eg, the stand);
Being charged with these offences brings with it the risk of being in the press, obtaining a criminal record (a maximum sentence for these offences is 3 months imprisonment) and in many cases, a football banning order;

You have to ask, is it worth it?

Some key points in respect of pitch invasions:

It is a criminal offence to encroach in the area beyond the pitch boundary fence;
The consequences are severe, potentially resulting in a Football Banning Order (FBO);
A FBO is much more serious than a club ban because it will restrict your freedom of movement. An FBO will require you to surrender your passport whenever England plays abroad, you would also be excluded from your town centre whenever your team plays at home.

DFC OWNER REGISTRATION

DFC Owner numbers continue to grow and, at time of writing, stand at a brilliant 1,276.

As well as Darlington fans from around the world, our fan ownership group also includes the likes of Alun Armstrong, Ben Hedley, Tommy Taylor, Toni Upton, Gary Smith, Danny O'Connor, David Hodgson, Peter Kirkham 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, click here!

DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL

Our first away fixture is at Hereford on Saturday 12th August. As usual, we will be running a coach for supporters. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £26 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £29 (£15 juniors).

Only three days later (Tuesday 15th August), we will be off to Scunthorpe United. The coach will depart from Park Place at 4.30pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £22 (£11 juniors) and adult non-members is £25 (£13 juniors).

For details of other up-coming trips and how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel due to Covid', please click here.