Home and away for Quakers as new era begins against Bishop Auckland (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Home and away for Quakers as new era begins against Bishop Auckland

8:00am Friday 17th August 2012 in News By Dani Webb, Chief Reporter (South Durham)

Heritage Park, Bishop Auckland

TWO North-East football clubs are gearing up for a match with a twist this weekend.

More than 2,000 fans will watch the Northern League opener between Bishop Auckland and Darlington 1883 (DFC 1883) tomorrow.

Darlington are to play all their home games at Heritage Park, in St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, this season, the home of Bishop Auckland FC.

But tomorrow’s match is a home game for the Bishops, although roles will be reversed in the return leg later this season – played at the same venue.

Club officials are warning supporters not to turn up without a ticket. “The game has sold out,” said Kim Fryer, commercial director at Bishop Auckland Football Club. “This is the biggest crowd we have ever had here. We are really excited about it. It is absolutely fabulous for the town and should be a really good day.

“We need to ask people not to turn up without a ticket. There will not be any on sale on the day. We are full to capacity and cannot fit any more people in.

“We could have sold many more tickets and the phone has not stopped ringing. People will be disappointed if they arrive without a ticket.”

She added: “We have had people ringing saying they haven’t been to a match since Darlington was at Feethams but they want to come here. It is great for local football.”

Darlington fans are reminded that they cannot use their season tickets because it is an away game. Denis Pinnegar, DFC 1883 chairman, said: “We are delighted the game is sold out and that fans are showing such an interest in the game and following the team at the start of this new era. We want this to be an enjoyable experience for everyone because we want people to go back.”

Tickets are available on the gates for the Quakers’ first home game of the season against Marske on Tuesday.

Extra facilities are being provided tomorrow, including more bars. Free car parking will be available on land owned by Terrace Hill behind the stadium and fans can also park at nearby Abraham Vehicle Services for £3.

Detailed checks will also be in place at turnstiles due to concerns of counterfeit tickets.