David Steel | 9th February 2025
Missed yesterday's game or just couldn't get hold of a programme? YOURCLUB Content brings you DFCSG's programme notes from the Marine game.
WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON
Manager of the Month curse? I guess it depends on your expectations. January always looked like a difficult month, on paper at least.
Defensively, we've been excellent with only three goals conceded in five games, but we've struggled in front of goal, with only three goals scored (Cedric Main x2 and Will Hatfield x1).
However, the midweek victory at league leaders, Kidderminster Harriers, was truly brilliant in terms togetherness and executing the game plan.
The Curzon result was equally satisfying, but for different reasons. The grit and determination required to grind out a 0-0, playing with 10 men for the second-half against a decent promotion contender, was there for all to see.
Long ball teams always seem to do better at this time of year as pitches become heavier and passing football becomes increasingly difficult to execute. We've got some gifted attacking talent but playing a more direct style of football might be the answer, at least until the weather improves.
Marine AFC are struggling to adjust to life in the National League North and, at the time of writing, sit second bottom of the table.
The Mariners recent form hasn't been great, although they did record an impressive 2-0 away win at Leamington last Saturday.
Our last encounter ended in an 0-0 at Rossett Park back in September, with neither team really looking like taking 3 points. Here's hoping for a different outcome today.
Finally, I'd like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of Marine FC.
MEN’S PLAYER OF JANUARY 2025
If you haven't already, you've just got time to vote on your YOURCLUB DFC Men’s Player of January 2025 – voting ends at 8pm today (Saturday)!
To get involved, simply head to 'Your Account' on YOURCLUB, click 'Polls' and then 'Vote' to make your choice.
There are ten shortlisted options to choose from in a month that saw us win two league games, draw once and suffer defeat twice.
DFC FAN OWNERSHIP
As the 2024/25 season moves into the 2025 phase, why not get more involved and join 1,270+ 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!
DFCSG AWAY TRAVEL
Our next scheduled away is this coming Tuesday – 11th February – when we make the re-scheduled trip to Alfreton Town. The coach will depart from Park Place at 4.30pm. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).
The following trip will be to Southport on Saturday 15th February next weekend. The coach will depart from Park Place at 10.30am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £30 (£15 juniors) and adult non-members is £33 (£17 juniors).
For details on how to book, including our 'Conditions of Travel' section, please click here.
The coach to Alfreton on Tuesday marks the launch of two new initiatives.
Firstly, we're offering "Tenner Taster Trips!". For anyone who has never previously travelled on a DFCSG coach to an away match, we're inviting Owners to make their first trip with us for only £10 (non-owners £13). For subsequent trips, you will have to pay the normal rate.
To claim your "Tenner Taster Trip", you would need to complete a form and hand it in on the coach. Forms are available from: Quaker Retail, the 'Fans Table' at Blackwell Meadows, Glen on the coach, or you can download (and print) the form from https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/documents (you'll need to be logged in to your YOURCLUB account).
Secondly, we now require unaccompanied 16- or 17-year-olds travelling on our coaches to provide written consent from a parent/guardian.
Forms are available in advance from: Quaker Retail, the 'Fans Table' at Blackwell Meadows, or you can download (and print) the form from https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/documents. The Young Person will be required to hand-in the completed form to Glen before boarding the coach.
