AHEAD of Saturday’s game at Chester, Darlington supporters are raising funds for an opposition player who has been facing a difficult time financially after suffering a major injury in a match.

Chester striker Matty Hughes has been ruled out for the season after suffering a torn ACL, which has also left him unable to work in his day job.

Hughes has a partner on maternity leave and three young daughters, leading to his Chester team-mates rallying around.

A Chester shirt has been raffled with Hughes receiving the proceeds, Chester fans have been doing their bit by providing raffle items, while Darlington supporters Andrew Park and Rod Thompson have pledged to raise money too.

“The original idea was suggested by Rod, so together we’re trying to raise a few quid for the lad,” explained Park, who will be holding a bucket collection at Chester’s ground before the match.

“I read about it and just wanted to help out as we are a football family at the end of the day.

“The lad is a normal bloke with a young family who has been left unable to work just before Christmas. We’ll be rivals on Saturday during the game but football is bigger than that and we'll be doing what we can to help the lad out.

“Hopefully we'll bring 300 or so for the game. It might be hundreds not thousands but we just wanted to do our little bit.”

Park will have over the proceeds during half-time of Saturday’s game.

Among those due to make a donation are Quakers supporters travelling on a supporters coach.

Park added: “I’ve got a bus full of lads from the ‘fun bus’ donating before we leave. This bus normally gets a lot of stick for away games, so it’s good to see them donating too.

“I’ve had a lot of feedback from people who have advised they will donate on Saturday at the game, and I’ve been giving my bank details out to get bank transfers from people if it’s easier for them.”

Hughes sustained the injury on October 16 during a match against Hereford, and he told Cheshire Live: “I’m so grateful for what they are doing.

“I didn’t know anything about it until I saw a tweet about it on Sunday morning. It's amazing that the lads are doing this and it's been a really big boost for me.

“I work with concrete in my second job and it is hard and physical graft. I haven't been able to work which has meant I haven't been able to earn and I've been left out of pocket.

“My partner is on maternity leave so it has been a struggle financially but these things always seem to come at once!

“But I’ve got my head around it now, I've had my surgery and now I'm getting on with my rehab and focused on coming back stronger than ever and getting back out on the pitch and back to work. It's been a tough time but we're getting through it and the support has been massive.”