WELCOME FROM JON SADDINGTON

2025: A Year of Hard Work, Togetherness and Continued Progress...

Darlo set the tone for 2025 with a battling 1–0 win at South Shields on New Years Day followed by a similarly gritty 1–0 victory at Kidderminster. Quakers finished the season in 11th place on 69 points, with 18 wins, 15 draws and 13 defeats. It was a campaign built on consistency, earning a solid 1.5 points per game. Darlo were often tough to break down but struggled to score goals.

At the sharp end, Cedric Main led the way with 11 goals, whilst Scott Barrow enjoyed a strong campaign, deservedly winning 'Player of the Season' with consistent performances that typified his reliability and commitment.

The current campaign has continued the steady upward curve. Sitting 6th on 32 points at time of writing, Quakers have nudged their points-per-game tally up to 1.52 and look in good shape to secure a play-off spot. The FA Cup replay victory over Fylde in September provided an early highlight, while November’s emphatic 5–1 home win against Worksop (featuring three former Quakers) was a memorable match under the (now fully operational) floodlights.

Of course, football keeps you grounded. A tough 6–1 FA Cup defeat at home to Telford and a recent 5–1 loss at Oxford City were afternoons best filed under "lessons learned". The small mercy being that Telford drew Sutton United away.

This season, Jack Maskell is leading the scoring charts and looks an early favourite for 'Player of the Season', though Will McGowan’s all-action displays suggest he may yet have something to say about that.

All told, 2025 has been a year defined not by extremes, but by progress — steady, measurable, and rooted in togetherness. Darlington FC moves forward with momentum and purpose. 

Crucially, it's your unwavering support (including another bonanza Boost The Budget) which continues to define this football club. Come on Darlo!

Finally, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the supporters, players, and officials of both South Shields.

YOURCLUB DFC MEN’S PLAYER OF DECEMBER 2025

You will shortly be able to vote on your YOURCLUB DFC Men’s Player of December 2025. So far this season, you have given the monthly awards to Cedric Main (August), Charlie Lennon (September), Jack Maskell (October) and Will McGowan (November).

Once the poll is live, simply head to 'Your Account' on YOURCLUB, click 'Polls' and then 'Vote' to make your choice.

QUAKER LOTTERY

I'm pleased to report that DFCSG’s Quaker Lottery had a brilliant 2025 in the very capable hands Pete Ashmore.

As a result of an upturn in participants across the calendar year (the largest number since inception in 2012) the proceeds from Quaker Lottery are now providing contributions to Darlington Football Club of £1,600 per month.

Each month there is a chance to win a prize of £1,000, also there are 8 chances to win a prize £50. So, if you’re not already in it, why not join for 2026? The cost is only £5 per month per number. For more information go to https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/lottery or email lottery@darlingtonfc.org.

TRAVELLING AWAY ON THE SUPPORTERS’ COACH

Our match at Hereford, originally scheduled for the 10th January, will have to be rearranged due to their progress in the FA Trophy. So, our next scheduled away trip is on Saturday 24th January, when we travel to Chorley FC. The coach will depart from Park Place at 11:15am. The price for adult DFCSG members is £25 (£13 juniors) and adult non-members is £28 (£14 juniors).

On the following Tuesday, 27th January, we travel to Worksop Town, which will be a new ground for many Darlington fans. The coach will depart from Park Place at 4pm. 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.