THE defender fondly-remembered as the scorer of the goal which took Darlington back into the Football League in 1990 is to appear at a talk-in next month.

Scored on the last day of the 89-90 season away to Welling, when a draw would have been enough to clinch the GM Vauxhall Conference title, Gary Coatsworth’s looping header late in the match sparked jubilant scenes and made him a folk hero among Quakers supporters.

In terms of dramatic moments, it is a goal rivalled only by Chris Senior's at Wembley three years ago in the recent history for Darlington.

Coatsworth followed manager Brian Little to Leicester City, and later played for Spennymoor United, but his goal lives on in the minds of Quakers fans present that day at Welling.

Supporters have an opportunity to chat to Coatsworth at the event, which will see profits split between Darlington FC and PIMM Productions, who are film production company currently working on a film based on the life of lifelong Quakers fan Paul Hodgson.

The event has been organised by PIMM, who are looking at raising development funds towards their film Give Them Wings.

The football club will play a prominent role in the film, and Hodgson said: “The Conference days were a special time in my life, the away support had an incredible togetherness that probably will never be matched. Welling was without doubt one of the most memorable Darlo days that I have experienced.”

Ian Carter, also involved with PIMM, added: “I remember Welling like it was yesterday, the sun shone and it was bermuda shorts all the way! Gary Coatsworth's goal saw total strangers hugging with delight. From that day on Gary's looping header would be a something no Darlo fan would forget. Hopefully we will experience something similar come April.”

The organisers hope the event with Coatsworth will be the first of a regular run of talk-ins and that supporters will back them and other joint events held in the future.

It takes place at the Railway Tavern, Northgate, Darlington on Thursday, December 4 beginning at 8pm. Entry is £3.

* The Darlington Supporters Club are running a coach to the FA Trophy game at St Neots Town a week tomorrow.

It departs from Park Place, Darlington, at 10am and cost is £20, though it may be reduced if enough places are taken. To book a place, call 01325-243911.