DARLINGTON today play the first of two games inside three days with both friendly fixtures having been a long time in the making.

On Monday York City visit Heritage Park, two weeks after the original game was postponed with less than 24 hours notice, but first up is a return to Harrogate RA.

Quakers twice visited Station Road over the last couple of seasons and took a large following of fans on each occasion, winning both times, most recently in February when Terry Galbraith scored a hat-trick.

Darlington won 5-1, just a month after Nathan Cartman had signed for Quakers from the RA and it was as part of the transfer that today’s match was arranged.

He will be skipper while winger Rob Youhill also faces his former team-mates in the 3pm kick-off. He also made the move up the A1 after the end of the season, as Darlington play their first friendly since last Friday’s loss at Gateshead.

It was in the changing room after the match that captain Gary Brown revealed his shock decision to leave for family reasons – he will join a club in the Northern League - so manager Martin Gray hopes to use today’s game as an opportunity to run the rule other over potential candidates for the right-back slot.

He has had trialists in training that play in other positions, so today’s line-up will be less familiar to supporters than the XI which takes to the field against York when Quakers are likely to select a stronger side against League Two opposition.

Monday’s match has been planned since 2012, when John McReady moved to Bootham Crescent in the aftermath of Darlington’s financial troubles and tumble into non-league.

Meanwhile, supporters will be able to collect season tickets and buy replica shirts from Tuesday.

DFC500 Club members and Vice President Season Ticket holders only can collect their season tickets from Quaker Retail at the Dolphin Centre. Seated season ticket holders will also have their allocated seat confirmed at the time of collection.

Also from Tuesday DFC500 Club members and Vice Presidents can collect their DFC500 leisurewear and commemorative glassware (glassware is pending delivery. If not available from this date you will be advised of a revised collection date in due course).

DFC500 Club members and Vice Presidents, by showing their season ticket as proof of membership, can buy a home replica shirt only at a discounted price of £25 (normal prices are £35 for adults, child sizes £30).

Season ticket holders (who pre-ordered and pre-paid when submitting their season ticket application) can collect their replica home shirt only.

Meanwhile, Quakers supporters have the opportunity to be trained by Darlington defender Alan White at a weekly fitness class.

Described as high intensity interval training, White said: “Metafit is ideal for anyone playing any individual or team sport, it’s the reason I’m still playing football at 39 years young!

“It’s the perfect way to improve your fitness, shed the weight and strengthen your body and mind. I take them personally, and I ensure everyone has fun and pushes themselves to their maximum.”

The classes take place at Hummersknott School, Darlington, on Wednesdays (5.45pm and 6.15pm) and Fridays (6pm and 6.30pm). The cost is £4 per class.

For more information email alanwhty@aol.com