Darlington are standing together

Jan 8 2012 Sunday Sun

DARLINGTON might be going out of existence before their next scheduled game in a fortnight’s time, but at least they’re leaving with their heads held high.

Half the crowd of 2,144 inside Holker Street were proud Darlington fans, and caused a 10-minute delay to kick-off because of the sheer numbers waiting outside the ground.

Every single one of them stayed after the final whistle to salute the players when they returned to the field.

There has hardly been a strong feeling of togetherness at the club than there exists at the moment, and before they set off for the game, manager Craig Liddle was presented with £8,000, raised by the supporters, in order to pay the players.

Despite the result, the day had a celebratory air about it.

A tearful Liddle said: “The players and the fans were magnificent.

“I couldn’t fault the players, they were fantastic all the way through, considering that some of them are injured, and some of them haven’t trained.

“The fans never stopped singing all the way through the game, and I must admit there were tears in my eyes when I saw their reaction at the final whistle.

“I really can’t thank the supporters enough for what they’ve done. There has been a real show of support for me and the players since the problems started.

“Whether it was the last game, I don’t really know, but I know that people are working hard to find a solution. And I’ll keep battling away.”