Darlington head to Alfreton today buoyed by resolving the pay problems that had threatened to undermine their Blue Square Premier League relegation scrap.

Preparations were hit on Thursday when the squad were told that for the rest of the season they would receive a match fee of £200 each, well short of their usual salaries.

But administrator Harvey Madden yesterday visited the players at their Durham training base and informed them of a change of plan.

They will instead receive 75 per cent of their salary with the remaining 25 added to the debt already incurred since the players stopped receiving their salaries in November.

That debt will be paid if the club comes out of administration at the end of the season. The boost was warmly received by the squad.

"It was the news we wanted to hear," said right-back Paul Arnison. "We can concentrate on our football now and be a bit more relaxed about off-the-field problems."

"To feel down is the last thing you need when you're in the situation we are in."

Arnison and his team-mates gratefully received a donation prior to their game at Barrow, but he does not want to rely on the supporters' hand-outs and recently decided to sell his car.

Arnison said: "We can't expect the fans to keep putting their hands in their pockets because they've been fantastic throughout.

"If it wasn't for the fans stepping in with the money that they gave us before the Barrow game I don't think I'd have survived.

"The fans are the most important people, but without football players the club can't play football games.

"It's hard enough as it is, but we're in a relegation battle and it's hard to say that you don't take things on to the pitch with you.

"As long as you're feeling happy in yourselves and confident you should be able to go out on to the pitch and perform.

"But things have been on our mind during games, people were worried about going into tackles in case they get injured. I know it shouldn't happen, but it's instinct to feel that way.

"Now Harvey (Madden, administrator) has told us that we're going to receive our wages we can focus on playing matches, we've got peace of mind.

"We've not got a problem with Harvey at all.

"I don't know what people outside of the club believe or what they think the situation is, but we sympathise with him and he's done what he can for us."

Arnison advertised his car on eBay and on Twitter. He added: "I've put it up for sale because we can't afford to keep two cars going on one income.

"We're selling my car, the missus has her car but we've said we'll have to sell one because there's no point having two until things get sorted out with the club."