'We may be down but we're not out'

THE symbols of hope were all there on Saturday afternoon. An arch of colours across the sky, Darlington FC’s largest and most enthusiastic crowd for four years and a gritty and gutsy display on the pitch.

For the thousands of fans who turned out to show their support for the Quakers, in what could be their penultimate home game, it was a portent of hope that the struggling club can survive and finally ensure a long-term future.

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The size of the home crowd was a heartwarming sight. The good natured banter, the chanting, the clapping – even a 1-0 defeat at the hands of secondplaced Fleetwood Town failed to dent a fan-tastic atmosphere.

It is hard to believe it was the same Blue Square Premier club that has endured such a nailbiting, rollercoaster ride that on Wednesday brought it to the brink of liquidation before being dramatically resurrected with an injection of £200,000 – £50,000 donated by fans – which has bought time to secure a rescue deal and play a further three matches. All fans who support the region’s teams well know the misery of relegation, humiliating defeats, uninspired performances and a distinct lack of silverware.

However, perhaps no other fans have quite plumbed the depths of footballing desperation as Darlington’s fans – following a club now in administration for the third time in nine years, all since the club’s move from Feethams.

In a show of solidarity, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Port Vale, Leicester City, Hamilton Academical and even Hartlepool shirts were seen in the stands as football fans travelled the length and breadth of the country to bolster the gate.

They boosted the crowd to 5,638 – the Quakers’ largest since 2008.

Their volume – in both size and decibels – sent a clear, defined message to the doubters: we may be down, but we’re not yet out.

Behind the scenes, an army of volunteers worked to prepare the pitch, peel potatoes for the half-time chips, run the bars, and steward the ground, while businesses across the town contributed goods and services to get the game on.

Cockerton Silver Band joined forces with Aycliffe and Brancepeth Brass Band to entertain fans before the match and at half-time.

Matching supporters’ high spirits were the players, who, even with a team lacking in experience, battled hard and gave a good account of themselves.

The fans’ defiance was most apparent when Fleetwood Town’s Danny Rose, whose goal celebration, just before halftime, was met with boos and cries of: “Sit down, at least we’ve got some fans”.

The team responded accordingly, with Ryan Bowman answering the goal with a shot on target seconds later.

Darlington fan Nick Richardson, 21, said: “Today was unbelievable – totally different to what we have experienced in a long, long time. It is a very special day.

Everyone has come together to support Darlo, which is a really nice feeling.”

Sunderland fan Paul Knapp, 47, said he came to show solidarity.

He said: “If you’re a football fan, you’re a football fan. This is what it’s all about.”

One of the stewards, a Manchester United fan who volunteered to support Darlington, said he believed the Quakers still have a chance.

He said: “I think it is likely they will come back from this – this is a fighting club.”

For the vast majority who attended, it was not about winning or losing.

The Darlington players and manager Craig Liddle were declared joint men of the match, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation as the football anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” boomed out.

They will hoping that sentiment turns out to be true over the next few weeks.