WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON

Welcome to Blackwell Meadows and another match under the lights! Fingers crossed that the floodlights are in full working order following recent work to replace 8 contactor switches…no more nervous minutes looking upwards at the floodlights instead of what's happening on the pitch! The system has been tested, and everything seems to be working well.

Today's opponents, Curzon Ashton, always provide a tough test. They're a well-organised team with a reputation for being difficult to break down, and they've produced some impressive results this season including a 3-0 home win against Kings Lynn Town and a 3-2 win at Buxton. However, league form has dipped in recent weeks with the Nash dropping to 11th place (at the time of writing).

Darlo connections include full-back Jordan Richards, who played several pre-season friendlies for Quakers prior to the 2017-2018 season, whilst striker, Jimmy Spencer, is "one that got away" when Curzon beat Darlo to his signature in February 2023.

From a Darlo perspective, the lads have shown real grit over the past few weeks, putting in performances full of energy, fluid football, and a growing sense of cohesion. We've seen a significant improvement in our attacking play; Max Howells and Charlie Lennon are a constant threat, whilst Aidan Rutledge is scoring goals for fun. Results are going our way, and there's a clear trajectory of progress towards the play offs.

We have every reason to approach this match with optimism. If we continue to build on the intensity and togetherness shown recently, there's no reason we can’t impose ourselves on the game and come away with all 3 points.

As always, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to every supporter here this evening. Whether you’re standing on the terraces, volunteering your time, or backing the club in countless unseen ways, you remain the heartbeat of Darlington FC. Your passion lifts the team, especially in tight moments, and I know the players feel that support deeply.

Let's get behind the lads from first whistle to last. Together, we can help push them over the line.

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

DFC FAN OWNERSHIP

Fancy owning a slice of Darlington Football Club? Then why not get more involved and join 1,350+ other DFC Owners, including the likes of Ben Hedley, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Peter Kirkham, Gavin Worboys, Paul Ward and Kasabian's Chris Edwards, all of whom have a say in how our football club is run?

For just £25 a year (or £2.09 a month) you can gain access to a range of benefits/offers as well as feeling the pride and passion of knowing that you own YOUR football club! You have a proper say in how DFC is run. How many football fans around the world can genuinely say that?

If you’re interested in becoming a DFC Owner, click here to read more about the benefits of being a DFC Owner and sign up today!

VOLUNTEERING AT DFC

Darlington FC is a club with its roots at the heart of its local community. The role that Darlington FC plays in the lives of many different groups of people across the town cannot be underestimated and it provides interest, passion and enjoyment for thousands of supporters.

The club is run almost exclusively by a dedicated band of volunteers – without them we would struggle to operate at our current level. All volunteers are as important as each other to the function of our club. Some are lifelong supporters of the club, others are not, but all have a passion to be part of something that makes a positive impact on the lives of others.

Volunteering can be extremely rewarding and is a great way to meet new people and put your skills to use for the greater good. At Darlington FC it comes in all shapes and sizes. If you're interested in getting involved, then we'd love to hear from you via YOURCLUB.

TRAVELLING AWAY ON THE SUPPORTERS’ COACH

Our next scheduled away trip is this coming Saturday (29th November), when we travel to Bedford Town. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9:30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).

The following Saturday (6th December), we make the trip to Oxford City. The coach will depart from Park Place at 9:15am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 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