STOCKPORT COUNTY will make a little bit of history today when they travel to Blackwell Meadows, becoming the first opposition club to play at Darlington’s four home venues.

Darlington have been based at Blackwell since December 26 last year, having previously played at Heritage Park (2012-16), The Northern Echo Arena (2003-2012) and Feethams (1883-2003).

Today’s fixture represents Stockport’s first visit to Blackwell as their trip to the North-East last season came when Darlington were still at Heritage Park, the September meeting seeing Martin Gray’s men winning 2-1 thanks to goals by Mark Beck and Adam Mitchell.

The previous time Stockport visited the town was in March 2012, when Quakers were at the Arena and in the middle of a demoralising 20 game winless run, the Hatters winning a match, 1-0, notable for Drewe Broughton making his Darlington debut.

With finances almost non-existent and the squad low on numbers due to the club being in administration, beleaguered Darlington manager Craig Lidde had convinced Broughton to come out of retirement, while he also turned to former team-mate Neil Wainwright, who also made his return in this game.

That match was played in the Conference with Darlington heading for relegation, just as they were when Stockport made their final trip to Feethams.

That was a fixture in Division Three – now called League One – in March 1992, Stockport winning 3-1 at what would be Darlington’s home for another 11 years before moving to the Arena.

Of greater concern to Darlington today, however, is the three points on offer in what is the first match since Martin Gray’s resignation.

Phil Turnbull and Gary Brown will pick the starting XI as Quakers look for their second in in 12 league and cup matches.