DFCSG News - Hebburn Town, Saturday 26th September 2026

WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON

Last weekend's 4-2 win at Redcar Town in the FA Cup was a welcome lift for everyone connected with the club. Whilst we expected to progress against opposition from three divisions below, these games can be difficult if your attitude isn't right. Fortunately, the lads approached it professionally, got the job done and secured our place in the next round.

Hopefully it can act as a springboard for our season. There's no getting away from the fact that our league form hasn't been what any of us wanted, but it's also been a frustrating time in terms of injuries.

At various stages this season, we've have been without five or six players who would normally be among the first names on the team sheet. That's always going to have an impact, not only because of the quality you're missing, but because the same group of players have had to keep going week after week with little opportunity for rest.

Thankfully, most of the injured players are getting closer to a return, which should give us more options and strengthen competition throughout the squad. That said, it was disappointing to see Toby Lees limp off at Redcar. Toby has been excellent for us this season and everyone at the club will be hoping he's back out on the pitch sooner rather than later.

Steve and Terry continue to work hard behind the scenes to strengthen the squad wherever possible. The Board remains fully supportive and there is funding available for both permanent and loan signings if the right opportunities arise. With that in mind, I’d like to welcome Jacob Render from Leeds United, who joins us on loan and adds further competition to the group.

I'd also like to thank you, the supporters, for sticking with the team during a difficult spell. What really stood out to me last weekend was just how many Darlington fans made the trip to Redcar despite the game being shown live on the BBC. Once again, your support was outstanding and very much appreciated by everyone involved with the club.

This afternoon we welcome Hebburn Town to Blackwell Meadows. After securing promotion last season, they've made an excellent start to life in the National League North and arrive here full of confidence. As one of our newer local rivals, they're sure to bring plenty of support with them and we're expecting another competitive game.

With players returning, confidence boosted by last weekend's win and your backing behind the team, there are plenty of reasons to look forward to the weeks ahead.

Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Hebburn Town.

DFC FAN OWNERSHIP & 1,500+ OWNERS

After passing the 1,500+ DFC owners mark in July, numbers have continued to grow and stood at 1,522 last Friday!

As such, for those who currently aren't a DFC owner/DFCSG member, we would love to encourage an upgrade in your fan experience by asking you to join us. For those who are, perhaps you can convince a family member or friend to join us? For just £25 a year – or £2.09 a month – DFC owners/DFCSG members can get access to a whole range of exclusive 'Owner benefits'.

Sign up as a DFC owner/DFCSG member here and join 1,520+ other Darlo fans (and the likes of Ben Hedley, Gary Smith, David Hodgson, Peter Kirkham, Gavin Worboys, Paul Ward and Kasabian's Chris Edwards) in owning your club and having a say in how the club is run!

BOOKING YOUR SEAT ON THE SUPPORTERS’ COACH FOR OUR AWAY MATCHES

Our next away trip is to Morecambe on Saturday 3rd October in the FA Cup. That coach will depart at 11.30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).

We then travel to AFC Telford United on Saturday 17th October. That coach will depart at 10am. 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 either via the DFC App (click on 'Shop') or by clicking here on YOURCLUB. 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.