IT’S often said that when following your favourite football club, you have to take the rough with the smooth. For most Darlo fans over the years, the question would have been: when is the smooth coming? Well, right now, this week has been about as smooth as it gets.

A couple of months ago, I mentioned that the club would have to give consideration to switching a game or two to an alternative venue should the weather not improve and the pitch at Heritage Park continue to represent a paddy field. At the time, the obvious option was New Ferens Park in Durham following the eviction of Durham City.

One of the least obvious options was the Brewery Field in Spennymoor. Not because the ground isn’t up to standard – it’s a cracking ground – but simply Spennymoor didn’t need the hassle of letting us play there. As it turns out, not only did they let us play there, but they didn’t charge us for the privilege, suggesting that the money could be better spent on our return to Darlington. All round, a class gesture from Spennymoor Town and their chairman Brad Groves.

With that in mind, standing on the terrace at the Brewery Field on Tuesday felt slightly strange. I would never have expected a Darlo home game to take place there. By the end of the evening, the only thought on my mind was: can we come back?

I’m not going to knock Heritage Park. It’s been our home for nearly four years and it has served us well, despite the non-existent drainage. However, it is a typical new build non-league football ground. The Brewery Field, on the other hand, is something more old fashioned. Despite the modern main stand, it is quintessentially a proper old football ground. You know, the type that we all love and prefer.

Add to the effect the mist and rain; throw in the floodlights, with their rays being interrupted by said mist and for most of a certain age, you could almost picture yourself being back at Feethams. The atmosphere was electric. Even the referee, the very capable Lucy Oliver, was buzzing off it. It was a magical evening. It was the sort of evening that I dearly hope we can recreate on a regular basis at Blackwell Meadows. The result almost felt like a formality.

If any game could inspire a group of people who love their club, it was Tuesday. If that had been it for the week, it would have been a really good week. However, the effects of the night before appeared to rub off on to Wednesday night. Rumour quickly spread that £10,000 had been pledged for the community share scheme. All of a sudden, the buzz from Tuesday was also the buzz for Wednesday too.

For those watching via various social media platforms, it was the most remarkable three hours. Almost on a minute by minute basis, the total raised for the community share issue continued to rise. Taking inspiration from the large donation, it seemed like everyone weighed in to pledge. At around 9.15pm, as the target was almost achieved, I found myself having to wipe some moisture from my eyes. I’d never felt prouder to follow our humble little club.

With the events of this week, it would seem fitting that we should pack the place out on Saturday. I would appeal to all of those supporters who are thinking of coming next season to pop along on Saturday to see what you have to look forward to. While you’re at it, make as much noise as you can as the players clearly respond to it. If we achieve half the atmosphere from Tuesday night, whichever ground we are at will be bouncing.