Darlington Town FC

 A midweek drive to County Durham and the Town of Darlington, a town I've visited many times, but this time it wasn't to Feethams or the Darlington Arena, it was to Eastbourne Community Stadium.


I arrived in good time, plenty of parking, but slightly concerned it was fenced off and a gate waiting to be locked and closed, however very helpfully there is a reception at the complex who confirmed supporters were able to park and it did indeed stay open until well after the game had ended.


The ground is a new style place, plastic pitch in a sort of cage like perimeter, many appearing of very similar appearance now, probably low maintenance for these small clubs. No food in the ground although a food van outside in the car park, I passed on this, instead stopping at McDonald's at Leeming Bar on the way home for a 20 Chicken Nuggets share box, although I wasnt sharing! No pin badges, apparently the last one had been sold at the weekend and more were on order, often hear this when clubs don't have any. 


The game and the opposition were Grangetown Boys Club, they played some really nice football, lad in midfield Fam Jatta, caught the eye, excellent midfield performance I thought but they couldn't make their dominance count. They did deservedly take the lead just after the hour mark through Joe Dixon and things got even better when Darlington were reduced to 10 men, Ryan Coles seeing red.


However this seemed to revitalise Darlington and two goals in the last 10 minutes turned the game on its head. There was further controversy near the end when Grangetown seemed to be claiming a shot had gone in and through a hole in the netting, a quick check however and the officials were satisfied this wasn't the case, was hard to tell from where I was stood but not something there should be any doubt about. 


Attendance 101 and a great result for Darlington against the odds. Walkable from Darlington Town centre although up hill so you may want to catch a local bus, only for a few stops.


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