Darlington director John Tempest is throwing his total support behind the club’s “Bring a Friend Day” on Saturday.

The club has designated the Vanarama National League North game against bottom club Altrincham as “Bring a Friend Day”, and the club is hoping that its regular supporters will persuade a family member or a friend to pop along to Blackwell Meadows and watch the Quakers in action.

“The football club has now played four matches back in its home town and within the community in which it was established for over 125 years before circumstances forced it to move to Bishop Auckland,” said JT.

“We have a great regular fanbase which numbers around the 1700 mark, but we would love more people to come along to our ground at Blackwell Meadows, and help us firmly establish the club back in the community. I am certain that some previous fans have waited for the club to return to the town before coming back to watch us – Saturday is now their opportunity, and they’ll be made most welcome.

“Watching football at Blackwell Meadows is a great experience. Fans have plenty of good vantage points, particularly in the legendary Tin Shed, where many of Darlington’s current middle aged fans learned the basics of watching football as teenagers when the Tin Shed was at Feethams.

“The team has done very well this season, and is right in the thick of the play off contention. We have played some very good football, and we are one of the highest scoring teams in the league. We are on course for a fourth promotion in five seasons, which isn’t a bad achievement at all.

“We also offer a good friendly family atmosphere with food and refreshments available – so why not come and watch us on Saturday?”

Admission prices for Saturday’s game are £12 adults, £8 concessions and £4 for Under 16s.