WORK on upgrading facilities at Blackwell Meadows is now almost complete, with only the changing rooms to be finished before Darlington can play their first game back in town later this month.

Quakers are due to begin playing at the venue, home to Darlington Rugby Club, on Boxing Day, when Halifax Town visit for what will be an all-ticket occasion.

Capacity will be 3,000 once Quakers receive the go-ahead from the FA and the council to begin playing matches there, bringing to a close four and half years out of town at Bishop Auckland’s ground.

Darlington director Richard Cook, who has taken a lead role in developing the site, where construction began three months ago, thanked contractor J&RM Richardson for their work, and joked the pressure is now on Blackburn Marshall to complete their role in the operation.

“Outstanding works that remain now are by Blackburn Marshall, the main contractor for the rugby club, who are undertaking the works to the changing rooms,” wrote Cook in Saturday’s programme for Quakers’ match with Salford City.

“Once these are complete the final inspections can be undertaken and the ground certified by the relevant authorities.

“I’d like to assure you the football club is doing everything in its powers to ensure the works are complete and we are planning for the first game to be our Boxing Day match against Halifax Town.

“Planning is now well under way for this high-profile game and the only thing that could stand in the way is the failure to complete the changing room works – no pressure Blackburn Marshall!”

Darlington do not have a league home fixture until Halifax’s visit. However, it remains possible they could be at home before then in the FA Trophy.

They are at Marine tomorrow evening in a third qualifying round replay, with the winners travelling to Stockport County on Saturday.

Any replay with Stockport would be on December 13 and, if Darlington are involved, The Northern Echo understands Quakers are confident Blackwell Meadows would be ready.