VOLUNTEERS have worked around the clock in a bid to get the pitch ready for Darlington Football Club’s vital home game against Wrexham tomorrow.

Their efforts came as fans’ groups met to try to agree a way forward to save the club.

Last night’s meeting at Blackwell Grange, in Darlington, was chaired by the town’s MP Jenny Chapman, who this week called on supporters to work together to prevent the club from being liquidated.

It was hoped that fans’ groups would last night decide which of two plans to run the Quakers as a community club would be taken forward.

The first plan has been put together by Darlington Football Club Rescue Group.

Members have discussed their proposal with administrator Harvey Madden and have the backing of Mrs Chapman.

They have received advice from Andrew Cawkwell, head of special situations at commercial law firm Muckle LLP, based in Newcastle.

An alternative proposal was this week announced by new group Darlington Supporters United, which has the backing of Darlington Supporters’ Trust and has received help from experts in community ownership of sports clubs, Supporters Direct.

Volunteers yesterday worked all day to remove a covering of snow from the pitch ahead of a pitch inspection by the referee this morning.

Quakers general manager Jason Lees said yesterday afternoon: “We have done all we can.

“The temperatures have risen and the first inch is now starting to give, which is good, although it’s still solid underneath.

“It’s going to depend on what happens overnight. If the temperatures remain higher we have a chance.”

Fundraising for the stricken club continues.

The total for the nonuniform days held by 24 Darlington schools has been revealed as £10,813.

Paul Bielby, from the rescue group, said: “The Darlington schools, parents and children who have taken part in the fundraising day have shown that they want Darlington Football Club to continue its 129-year history.

“They all deserve a lot of credit and thanks for collectively coming together to raise this money. The youngsters, parents, schools and the business community are the future of this football club.”

Middlesbrough-based solicitor Paul Watson, a Quakers fan, is donating all fees for drafting wills for two weeks from Monday.

He said: “If the campaign is well received, we will look to repeat it as the campaign to save Darlo will be an ongoing battle.”