Snow game for Darlington – once again (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Snow game for Darlington – once again

3:38pm Friday 1st February 2013 in Sport

DARLINGTON’S fixture backlog shows no sign of easing after Wednesday night’s match with Guisborough Town became Quakers’ fifth successive postponement.

After heavy rain in Bishop Auckland, there was standing water on the Heritage Park pitch.

Following an inspection by the match referee at 4pm, the surface was deemed unplayable, leaving Quakers with yet another game to add to their backlog.

They have played only once since Boxing Day and with 13 Saturdays of the season remaining Darlington have 19 games to play.

They are next due to play on Saturday at Marske United while their next scheduled match at Heritage Park is against Hebburn Town on Wednesday, February 6.

Wednesday’s postponement was particularly disappointing as Quakers had called on the help of fans to clear the weekend’s snow off the Heritage Park surface, programmes had been printed and caterers were on site shortly before the decision was made.

Quakers manager Martin Gray had paid tribute to the fans who had dedicated their time in order to get the game on.

"I'm grateful to the fans that came in their own time and gave us four or five hours to try and help the football club," said Gray.

"The players made an effort too. They got out there and it was good for camaraderie.

“Some clubs might have chosen to have the weekend off, but for us it was a good five hours together."