Darlington v Grimsby Preview

By: Alex Green
Date: 24/08/2010

AFTER an appalling defeat to Hayes and Yeading Town travel to the only team who could be considered to had a worse season than us last around.

Their History

In the summer of 1883 in the bowels of the local grammar school a number of professional and part time footballers met to organise a club, which would represent the town of Darlington. In 1886 Darlington ventured into the FA Cup for the very first time to meet the almighty Grimsby Town Football Club and our Mighty Mariners duly handed the Quakers an 8-0 thumping. You're welcome. After impressing in the North Eastern League Darlington were promoted to the newly formed Division 3 in 1920 and in their debut season finished 2nd promoting them to Division 2 which they were subsequently relegated from the following season. Modern days have seen off the pitch antics taking centre stage. Outlandish bids for former stars (Asprilla and Gascoigne.) huge stadiums, former safe breakers and a few defeats at Wembley.

Last Season

Darlington were all but down by Christmas, financial ineptitude, a parade of managers followed by the lowest attendances for decades all ultimately ended in relegation. The club had 4 managers come and go while the team was put together from scratch within just a few weeks before the start of the season. It ended in relegation Darlington fans shrugged and can now boast the best stadium in the non-league.

This Season

Darlington have started well early on this season the club are undefeated with a win and two draws. An opening day to the season win at home to Newport County was followed by draws away at Kettering and Altrincham all pointing to what could be a good season for The Quakers.

Key Player

Tommy Wright of course! The guy is nothing but deadly when he was at Grimsby he was a black and white blur the amount of movement he contributed of the ball and as for the goals he put in for us well it was jaw dropping. Well ok he’s very shit but he’s scored this season and of course he use to play for us so don’t be surprised if he got a few.

The Ground.

Is there any other defining piece of architecture, which will define the opulent era of football we are now leaving? The fantastic arena wouldn’t be out of place in the Premiership and for those visiting are going to witness a very unique experience. An all but empty stadium limited to 10,000 by the council at the moment is barely 10% full for most games. Tickets can vary from £16- £18 depending on when you purchase them for an adult