NON-LEAGUE football teams have agreed not to increase tickets prices for the visit of Darlington FC amid claims some clubs were cashing in on the large Quakers fanbase.

Ebac Northern League football clubs say they will not raise basic prices when playing Darlington after increases earlier in the season prompted strong criticism from fans.

All nine clubs still to host Darlington will charge £5 or £6 for adult tickets, with concessionary admission – at Ashington – as low as £1 50.

Northern League chairman Mike Amos welcomed the clubs’ decision.

He said: “There has been a great deal of publicity about the three clubs which increased admission - one by just £1.

“The disproportionate publicity has suggested that the Northern League is full of clubs out to make a quick buck at Darlington’s expense - this shows that the total opposite is true. Quakers followers are being welcomed and treated as friends.”

Highlighting the outcry when Manchester City fans were charged £62 to attend the Arsenal match at the weekend, Mr Amos said: “Whatever happens in the Premier League, in the Northern League we try to champion fair play, and to behave as a family should.”

“I’m genuinely grateful to all those clubs for helping to strengthen our reputation.”

Shildon, due to host their championship chasing neighbours in April, were the last club – at a board meeting on Monday evening – to decide to peg prices.

“It could be their last away game in the Northern League and we are determined to give their supporters an excellent match day experience,” said club chairman Brian Burn.

Darlington chairman Denis Pinnegar said he was “delighted” at the news.

He said: “It’s great that our fans aren’t being taken advantage of and I hope they will spend a lot of money in bars and on programmes and the like, so that clubs will appreciate the value of the Darlington fan base.”

Quakers travel to Sunderland RCA on Saturday. £5 tickets for the game are available at the Darlington club shop in the covered market or from the host club. In an attempt to address car parking problems, admission is £6 on the day.

Norton and Stockton Ancients FC, West Auckland and Celtic Nation all increased their prices for the visit of Darlington.