Craig Stoddart looks at some of those who have spent time with both Darlington and Boston United -- he wrote this piece for the Boston programme back in October.

Middlesbrough-born striker Peter Duffield was one of those players who moved around a lot and among his numerous clubs included Darlington and Boston United.

Darlington became Duffield’s 14th club when he joined aged 29 in January 1999.

After being in the youth set up at Middlesbrough and then joining Sheffield United, he went on to have loan spells at Halifax, Rotherham, Blackpool, Bournemouth, Crewe and Stockport before heading to Scotland for six years, playing for Hamilton, Airdrie, Raith Rovers, Greenock Morton and Falkirk.

When Duffield arrived at Feethams, manager David Hodgson said: “We've needed a Johnny-on-the-spot, the sort of player who is capable of scoring goals, and that's what he's been doing in Scotland.”

The striker was at Feethams for 18 months, playing alongside the prolific Marco Gabbiadini, and was in the team that was beaten in the play-off final in May 2000 at Wembley by Peterborough United.

That proved to be his last game for Darlington as he then joined York City, but after scoring three goals in his first five starts suffered a season-ending broken leg.

After two and a half seasons with York, came a move to Boston United in January 2003 and in just over a year at York Street Duffield made 45 appearances and scored nine goals before losing his place. There was a chance of moving back to Darlington but Boston boss Neil Thompson scuppered the move.

“I can’t understand why the manager is insisting that I stay when I'm not a regular in the team, " said Duffield at the time. "I'm the second top scorer here but it seems that isn't enough."

Duffield later joined Carlisle United and then Alfreton and Retford United, while he has since been manager at Belper Town and Handsworth Parramore.

Among others to have also played for Darlington and Boston are Simon Ainge, Mark Albrighton, Mark Angel, Kevin Austin, Drewe Broughton, Matt Carmichael, Martin Carruthers, Drew Coverdale, David Ferguson, Julian Joachim, Paul Mayo, Les McJannet, Ian Miller, Sam Muggleton, Jim Rodwell, David Rowson, Tim Ryan, Jason St Juste, Neil Tarrant, Noel Whelan, Alan White and Scott Wiseman.

PICTURES: Peter Duffield in his spells at Darlington and Boston