As the final whistle blew at Blackwell Meadows last Saturday, fans were both elated and relived to see their team secure safety from being relegated.
After a tension full 90 minutes Darlington saw off their opponents Farsley Celtic 3-1, in what was one of the most important matches of the season. As a result of this win the Quakers now sit in a safe 18th in the Vanarama National League North Table.
This game was a key match for both side with each of them needing this win to secure their way to safety. Fortunately, Farsley Celtic were not good enough this time to over come Darlington.
The 2023/24 season has been full of both ups and downs with there being changes here and there in both the mangers and staff, and players. Darlington have lost valuable players however they have also gained important players.
Since the arrival of current manager Steve Watson and his assistant manager Terry Mitchell, they have managed to guide Darlington to progress in the right direction avoiding being relegated whilst increasing the amount of games the club is winning compared to losing.
The game between Darlington FC and Farsley Celtic had a crowd of 2261, full of both home and away fans. The game was a slow starter as it took a while to get going with real chances from either side in the first half. Darlington had few chances at the opposition goal.
After half time the game was back on with both teams determined to get a goal and put them one step closer to safety. As the second half was under way Jake Lawlor got his first goal of the season, on the last home game of the season. He had a powerful header after receiving the ball from Scott Barrow. This placed darlington ahead of their opposition to try and secure a safety spot. Soon after Rutledge blasted the ball into the back of the net using his left foot.
In the 61st minute Aidan Rutledge, on loan from Gateshead, scored Darlington their second goal putting them even further infant of their opposition. However unknown to Darlington Farsley had a goal coming.
Farsley Celtic also had their fair share of chances throughout the second half. Wherever their were a chance created by Farsley, Englands under 18's keeper Matty young, stopped most shots keeping the Farsley fans quiet. However after the linesman missed a clear offside moment leading to Farsley's Ben Atkinson scoring in the 83rd minute.
As of today, 19th of April 2024, current Darlington manager agrees and signs a new two year contract to stay with the club. Last weeks win over Farsley was just one of the many games Darlington have won under their latest manager. Steve Watson came to Darlington after the sacking of their previous manager. He joined in January with his assistant Terry Mitchell. Out of the games Watson has managed he has won 12 out of 21 and 10 in the latest 14.
Tomorrow Darlington FC have their final game of the season where they are playing away at Chester. Can Darlington and Steve Watson finish the season on a high with another win?