DARLINGTON are looking into a drainage issue which almost caused the postponement of Wednesday’s game at Blackwell Meadows.

Standing water meant a pitch inspection was required less than an hour before kick-off of the match with FC United of Manchester, a game Quakers won 3-0.

Referee John Matthews gave the game the go ahead after groundsmen had removed the water from the penalty area in front of the Tin Shed.

Despite rain having been torrential on Tuesday night, a postponement would have caused acute embarrassment for the club given that close to £80,000 was spent on a new pitch and drainage over the summer.

Much of the money was raised by fans, and Wayne Raper, chairman of the Darlington FC Supporters Group, released a statement on the situation.

He said: “Those of you who attended last night’s game won't have failed to notice the water logging around the penalty area at the tin shed end of the ground which needed remedial work by the ground staff to make the surface playable despite having spent a significant sum of money over the summer to completely renew the drainage system.

“As the pitch was part funded by the fans both DFCSG and DFC feel it is important that you are kept up to speed with the ongoing situation regarding the playing surface.

“Upon discovering the issue the club immediately contacted the contractors responsible for carrying out the work and a full inspection is currently taking place in order to determine the cause of the problem and any potential remedial work.

“Once we have the full details of the inspection and a further statement will be made. As we are due to be in action again on Saturday in the FA Cup versus South Shields this is an absolute top priority and the club are pushing hard for a resolution.”

Meanwhile, Friday is the final chance for Darlington supporters to buy tickets for Saturday's FA Cup tie with South Shields.

The match at Blackwell Meadows is all-ticket, and fans cannot purchase tickets on the day of the game.

They are available from Quaker Retail in the Dolphin Centre, Darlington 10am-1pm.