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After last weeks excellent win at already promoted Peterborough United, confidence should be high for this afternoons vital play-off game against Rochdale.
Our poor form over recent weeks was thankfully brought to an end last weekend, as the lads produced a very good performance to beat 'The Posh' at their own place, and in front of a large crowd. I have to say that the large following of Darlo fans were a credit to their club, and their support was the best I have witnessed for some time. Even though Peterborough were celebrating promotion, it was our fans that made the most noise, which I'm sure was appreciated by the lads on the pitch. It was also good to see our chairman George Houghton shaking the hands of our fans after the final whistle, having obviously enjoyed the day as much as we had.
I must say that every player deserved great credit for their performance last week, as there really did appear to be 'togetherness' amongst the team. However, I must give a mention to young Curtis Main who made his first team debut at 15 years old and did not look fazed by the occasion. Well done Curtis, I'm sure you'll remember the day for a long time!!
So here we are in the play-offs again, with the nation watching us via Sky TV. Like many Darlo fans, my memories of the play-offs are very mixed ones. The good being reaching Wembley twice, and beating our rivals Hartlepool United in the process on the last occasion. The bad ones are obviously that we lost on both occasions at Wembley. When Plymouth Argyle beat us, we still seemed to enjoy the occasion, but the defeat at the hands of Peterborough United is still a painful memory for many of us.
We now have the opportunity to erase the bad memories, and achieve promotion via the play-offs. This certainly will not be easy, as we start with this two legged game against Rochdale who have taken 4 points off us already this season and have been very much one of the form teams of late. No doubt there will be large crowds at these two games, along with the TV cameras. Both sets of fans will be hoping that it will be their team that end the season at the new Wembley Stadium. Now is the time that Dave Penney and the lads need our full support more than ever before.
As you would expect, the Supporters Club will be offering fans the opportunity to use its travel service. The details are as follows:
AWAY TRAVEL
The Supporters Club continue to provide luxury coach travel to away fixtures, the next 2 being as follows:
Bookings can be made at our table in the Carling Bar this afternoon. As it is anticipated that demand will be high for travel to Rochdale, all bookings must be paid for in advance. Please watch out for further details in the local media for additional ways to book a place on our coaches in the coming days. Also if we are successful and do reach Wembley, details regarding bookings will also be advertised in the local media. If you have any enquiries, please telephone us on 01325 243911.
These will obviously be my final programme notes of this season. Over the course of the season, my outstanding memories are probably the away wins at Lincoln City just before Christmas and then last week at Peterborough. Of course, I'm hoping that the season will end with a great memory that will surpass any in the 25 years or so that I have been following Darlo. Dave Penney and the Darlington playing staff will be fully aware of how important this afternoon's game is to the football club and its supporters. It is important that we give them as much support and encouragement as possible, and to use that now famous quote, become a '12th man'.
Everybody can play a part in creating a brilliant atmosphere here this afternoon, which I'm sure we will see. Anyway, enjoy today's game, and the summer months what ever your plans are.
Regards
Andy Smith
Regards
The dfcsc.co.uk team
