Finally, it's here! Our much-anticipated first match of the 2017-18 season in the Vanarama National League North.

After three months, we are back in league action, as the 2017/18 campaign gets underway on Saturday when we head to Salford City.

Work has continued on Moor Lane since we visited them on the final day of last season. That day the Ammies came out on top 5-1, as they finished above us in the league table, but by then we knew our fate. With ourselves not being allowed to compete in the play-offs, Salford needed the win to secure a playoff spot. However, they lost in the playoff semi-final to the eventual winners Halifax Town.

We have had a well documented rivalry with the Ammies over the last three seasons with both clubs having challenged for promotion on each occasion. The two sides have had some fantastic games over the last few years including our dramatic 4-3 and 3-2 wins two seasons ago.

You might have seen it already, but Gary Brown set the tone for the game and the season in an interview with the official website earlier in the week. You can watch it again here.

http://darlingtonfc.co.uk/we-want-our-name-on-the-trophy-brown-2/

And there are more interviews on the website today with manager Martin Gray and club skipper Kevin Burgess.

Salford start this season as many people's pre-season favourites for the title having brought in numerous signings over the summer, but Quakers are hoping to catch them before they've really bedded in.

Defender Dom Collins and striker James Caton are in line to make their first competitive appearances for ourselves having signed from AFC Fylde and Dover during the summer. There will be an interview with Dom in the match programme next week.

Elsewhere on Saturday Spennymoor Town face a tough start in the division against Stockport County, while York City host AFC Telford United.

Kick off on Saturday is 3:00pm, updates on the game will be made from the club's Facebook, Twitter and Website. Live Commentary will be broadcast from Darlo Fans Radio from 2:50pm which is kindly sponsored by Tempest Jones.

There will also be plenty of after match reaction on the official website, and a chance to vote for your man of the match!

After Saturday, we are at home to Gainsborough Trinity on Wednesday at Blackwell Meadows.