DARLINGTON’S planned home game against North-East rivals Gateshead this evening has been postponed because a member of the Quakers’ playing squad has tested positive for Covid.

The positive test result was received in the wake of Darlington’s weekend FA Cup defeat to Bristol Rovers, and means Alun Armstrong’s squad have had to enter into a period of enforced isolation.

While a number of other National League North clubs have been hit with Covid-related postponements this season, this is the first time a member of the Darlington squad has been affected.

A Darlington statement said: “One of our first team players has earlier this week tested positive for Covid, and so therefore in accordance with the relevant PHE and National League protocols, he and the rest of the squad have now gone into self-isolation.

“This therefore means that Wednesday night’s home game against Gateshead is postponed, and we await league advice on Saturday’s home game against Hereford and the away game at Leamington on Tuesday 8th December.

“We would like to wish the player concerned a speedy recovery, and also thank our opponents and the league for their co-operation and understanding.”