SUPPORTERS were last night urged to turn out in force for vital talks that could shape the immediate future of crisis-torn Darlington Football Club.

Darlington Supporters' Trust is staging a public meeting tonight as the desperate battle to prevent the Quakers going out of business is stepped up.

Court-appointed administrators Wilson Field have admitted that the club may be forced to fold if there is a poor attendance for Darlington's home game with Rochdale at the Reynolds Arena on Saturday, January 31.

The supporters' trust has set a target of raising £250,000 by the end of March and tonight's meeting, at the town's Dolphin Centre, has been organised to help the campaign press ahead.

Last night, the chairman of North-East neighbours Middlesbrough FC urged Quakers fans to rally behind the trust.

Steve Gibson said: "Having gone through a traumatic period of liquidation with Middlesbrough in 1986, I know all too well the feelings that Darlington and its supporters will be going through right now.

"Clearly, the club faces a huge challenge, but I am sure it is one they can overcome with determination from all concerned.

"I know many Boro fans look on Darlington as their 'second club', so our supporters will no doubt do all they can to help.

"We wish everyone at Darlington the very best of luck and urge people to back the Supporters' Trust in their fundraising aim."

Tonight's meeting, at 7.30pm, will include speakers from York City and Notts County supporters' trusts, who successfully raised money to save their clubs from extinction.

People attending the meeting are asked to use Bull Wynd entrance. To get in, visitors are required to join the trust. The cost is £5 for adults, £1 for children or £100 life membership.

Board member Tony Taylor said: "We're entering a critical few weeks in the future of the club and this is an opportunity for supporters and the people of Darlington to show their determination to save the club."

The trust is part of a consortium, led by lifelong fan Mark Meynell, which hopes to put together a take-over bid before the February 13 deadline set by the administrators.

A match between Darlington and an all-star team, including Peter Beardsley, Paul Gascoigne and Bryan Robson, is held at 1pm on Sunday at the Reynolds Arena.

Tickets cost £8 for adults and £4 for children and can be bought at tonight's meeting.