Darlington Supporters' Trust

Is This The End?

2012-01-08T12:26:00.000Z

Things have moved so quickly for Darlington Football Club . . . unfortunately, in the wrong direction.

We could now have played our very last game - as ex-chairman Raj Singh called in the Administrator on January 3, 2012, as he was no longer prepared to fund the football club. The Administrator has indicated that it could be as early as this week that he becomes the liquidator of the club and, with that, 128 years of history could be lost forever.

The Darlington Football Club Rescue Group, including a former chairman and associate director, has been assembled to see if there is a solution involving the land / stadium owners, local MP Jenny Chapman, administrator and Darlington Council. We are actively pursuing all avenues to keep this football club alive. Group’s latest statement:

http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=762

There were emotional scenes at Barrow yesterday as over 1,000 Darlington fans made the journey to see the team lose 3-0. The coach was paid for by the Northern Echo. A fund-raising scheme by fans on the internet messageboard Uncovered was to pay for a pre-match meal for the players – it spiralled beyond belief and £8,000 was handed over to manager Craig Liddle to help all players, some who hadn’t been paid for two months.

If you’d like to contribute to an on-going fund, then you can use Paypal here:

scott@ukrivals.net

And if you want to read what it REALLY means to be a football fan, have a read of this “call to arms” by Darlo fans Richard Heslop. His message went viral all over the football world:

http://www.darlofc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=15733

And the response from all over the footballing world has been equally astounding.

Yesterday’s kick-off was delayed to allow the Darlington fans time to get into the ground – we were lucky enough to grab Neil Wainwright, former player and life-long legend, to jump into the queue with us. He’d travelled, with his leg in a brace due to injury, to be with the fans where his career took off – an emotional time for him, too.

Look at the YouTube video which Neil Wainwright compiled, fantastic (you’ll need hankies):

http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=759

The Barrow club, stewards and fans were an absolute credit, too. Unfurling a banner which read - “A football club is for life, not just for business” - how true!!! And even the tongue-in-cheek chant from their fans of “Is this all you bring away?” was roundly applauded. At the end of the game the strains of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” brought tears to many. A big thank you to the footballing family member – Barrow!

Here’s Uncovered’s Scott Thornberry’s take on the day:

http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=763

And for those with Sky Sports News, they are presently showing a long video about the plight of Darlington Football Club.

Pete
Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

The Come On Darlo Prediction League seems incidental in these times, the league tables are attached. And should this be the last game for the club then, as per the original rules (see attached) there will be a draw for the top three places and the prize money.

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Sad Note

2012-01-01T21:16:00.000Z

It’s a sad time for the Come On Darlo Prediction League as news was received that one of our good friends Lance Ireland passed away this weekend after a long illness. Lance had been a generous supporter of this youth team fund-raising vehicle since its inception – indeed you may have seen many references over time to famous film stars as managers, including his beloved Rhonda Fleming whom he met in person and spent some time with in the USA in 2011.

Lance adopted Darlo from his old Army days after becoming disillusioned with the Premier League, travelling from Birmingham and becoming an integral part of DAFTS – Darlington Away Far Travelling Supporters – an acronym which somehow describes his wonderfully eccentric nature. His evangelism on behalf of Darlington brought many “converts” in The Midlands – those from there who knew the Darlo scores as well (if not better) than their own club.

It will be a quieter and much less interesting place with Lance around – we send our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends. Please visit the DAFTS website for a more complete eulogy than I could ever give -

Pete

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The return game against Gateshead saw Darlo lose to an injury time goal 1-0 – such a poor result for the total effort and commitment from the whole team who were a credit to the 2,500 crowd who turned up to support them.

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Only one correct score from Dan and Jean and only a few managers with the correct result - Howard Hall, Ian Bonsall, Jane Lucas, John Berry 3, Liam Pape, Maureen Taylor, Mr and Mrs Payne, Oliver Bainbridge, Toby Corum 2. So hardly any change in the league table.

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Lets hope for a bright and happy New Year for all – and for our football club, too:

Pete
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Craig Liddle - Darlington Legend!

2011-12-27T19:32:00.000Z

Craig Liddle’s legend status is already assured, sainthood cannot be far away!!! His patched up team . . . now permanently missing captain Ian Miller who has left the club after the off-field problems . . . gave a spirited display against high-flying Gateshead and were unlucky to come away with only one point in a 1-1 draw. Marc Bridge-Wilkinson equalising from the spot (his fifth penner of the season) and with a sound display from Kris Taylor as an emergency centre-back. Another who left the club on Christmas Eve was Jonatan Sanchez- Munoz who looked a decent prospect . . . another victim of the off-field issues.

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And it looks like Wednesday will be D-Day (or A-Day) for the club when chairman Raj Singh is believed to be meeting the players. If there is no progress on pay for the players, it seems likely that several more first teamers will exercise their right to leave. If that happens, it’s anyone’s guess where the club goes from there.

We have a new leader of the Come On Darlo Prediction League – Paul Soderman breaks the 70-point barrier with his correct score (and also snatches the £10 spot prize for being top of the league at the year’s end), closely followed by Damian Dickson on 66 while Chris Kane drops back to third on 65. And a couple of “old timers” are riding high - Neil Raper in fourth on 64 with Tim Hewitson on 63, joined there by Martin Cass with his latest max score.

Neil Danby and Mick Moriarty hasve jumped into contention on 61 with their eight-pointers; and we have another Vallis not far from the leaders . . . this time it’s Callum showing good form on 60 points in joint 11th place.

The 1-1 scoreline generated the largest number of correct scores so far this season, so lots of points added to the league table: Alf Hutchinson, Andrew Ashmore, Carl Hankin, Chris Walton, Colin Wakefield, Dan Taylor, Dave Wilson, Dave Woods, David Taylor, David Welton, Dean Martin, Gillian Percival, Jenny Maughan, Jonathon Kane, Julie Gardner, Karen Sheen, Kevin Kidger, Lewis Raper, Liam Pape, Malcolm Cundick 1, Mark Hathaway, Martyn Walton, Mel Douglas, Michael Swain, Mike Cass, Mike Cleasby 1, Nick Groves, Paul Dickson, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Peter White, Rhonda Fleming, Robert Mitchum, Sam Taylor, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Dickson, Steve Duffy 2, Stuart Williams, Sue Abell, Terence Sadler, Terry Simpson, Tim Hewitson, Tracey Pickersgill, Trevor Gretton.

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Richard Soul continues to cling to bottom place with the usual suspects of Andrew Pickersgill, Martyn Cripps and Phil Foster keeping pace his scores. But plenty of time for a new challenger for the wooden spoon to make their mark.

Return game against Gateshead is at The Arena on New Year’s Day (all things being well) so let’s hope for a good turn-out to support Lidds and the remaining players.

Pete
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Put yourself in Craig Liddle's shoes.....

2011-12-18T19:55:00.000Z

I try to put myself in Craig Liddle’s shoes at times and wonder if he’s thinking – Where does the uncertainty (insanity?) end? Or . . . where are the men of principle to come to the rescue of Darlington Football Club? Well, no one can accuse Darlo Legend Liddle of being anything other than principled . . . as he again inspired his embattled team to victory 2-0 over high-flying Cambridge United, who had only been beaten once in their previous 19 games. A game which The Quakers controlled for the most part though never dominated, they were led by a great performance from Adam Rundle who rounded this off with a goal. Middlesbrough loanee Adam Reach got the other.

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And as the uncertainty continues over whether several of the first teamers still being here in January, due to non-payment of wages by a chairman who looks hell-bent on confrontation, no one knows what the future of the football club holds.

But the 2-0 scoreline has seen an avalanche of points in the Come On Darlo Prediction League (remember, your entry fees and donations have directly helped Lidds’ youth set up – where more players are thought to be the target of some big league and Premier clubs). Chris Kane takes the lead once more, now on 65 points, with Damian Dickson’s eight-pointer propelling him into second spot on 63 with Malcolm Cundick being joined in third place on 62 by Paul Soderman with his max score.

Neil Raper’s eight points see him in real contention, joining Ecnal Dnaleri on 61; whilst my second team is showing the firsts the value of teamwork on 60 along with Steve Curtis. Jean Johnson and Martin Clarke are leading the chasing pack on 59.

Those other with maximum scores: Callum Vallis, Carl Hankin, Chris Mackenzie, Chris Vallis, Colin Wakefield, Corey Neilson, David Alderson, Dean Martin, Edward Cundick, Garry Mann, Gary Woods, Iain Cardwell, James McNaughton, Jenny Maughan, John Baskerville, Liam Pape, Luke Hewitson, Lynne Pape, Mick Moriarty, Mike Cleasby 1, Neil Raper, Nick Groves, Peter Ashmore 2, Simon Cowing, Stephen Bennett, Steve Calvert 1, Stuart Williams, Terence Sadler, Terry Harvey, Terry Simpson, Thomas Jackson, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 2.

Richard Soul is desperately trying to claw his way back into the pack from bottom spot, there are certainly enough managers in the mix but it’s only points that count – and the league table doesn’t lie!!! Just three points ahead on 18 is Fozzy Foster.

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And just after the half way point in the season it’s time to have a look at one of our mini-leagues going on – our old friends from Hayssen Sandiacre. At present, it’s only Steve Curtis who is “looking the business”, lying in eighth place overall on 60 points but sitting at the head of the mini-league. Steve has a very creditable five correct score predictions, whilst Mick Moriarty, Neil Dancy, Carl Hankin and David Welton have four each but need to be more consistent with results.

And the aforementioned Phil “Fozzy” Foster is in danger of collecting both wooden spoons at the end of the season with his paltry 18 points total. League table follows:

8 Bag of Spanners III, Steve Curtis 55 0 5 60 5
24 Kerrymen, Mick Moriarty 53 0 0 53 4
25 Ram Raiders, Neil Danby 53 0 0 53 4
32 Frimley Green Superstars, Carl Hankin 50 0 0 50 4
33 Welly's Reds, David Welton 47 0 2 49 4
34 Henry's Heroes, Elaine Battison 49 0 0 49 2
36 Last Minute, Lee Dyas 49 0 0 49 2
44 Break My Stride, Emile Puttemans 48 0 0 48 3
47 Maurice's Marauders, Maurice Tennick 48 0 0 48 3
49 Super Rams, Nick Groves 48 0 0 48 3
56 Panthers at the Double, Corey Neilson 47 0 0 47 4
75 Slartibartfast XI, Arthur Dent 43 0 0 43 2
76 Europe Bound, Mark Lear 43 0 0 43 2
80 Let's Rock 'n' Roll, Stewart Hoy 43 0 0 43 2
83 Release The Kraken! Graham Wakeling 42 0 0 42 3
90 You Reds Here We Go, Mark Kirk 41 0 0 41 1
98 The Black Baron, Michael Whitmann 40 0 0 40 2
113 Sooloo Cabbage Queens, Sue Abell 38 0 0 38 1
119 Perfect Time To Score, Kevin Kidger 37 0 0 37 2
125 DA League, Doreen Lang 36 0 0 36 3
128 Pigeons in Flight, John Shuttleworth 36 0 0 36 0
135 Closing The Gap, Mick Spencer 35 0 0 35 1
137 Tilly's Eagles, Richard Tilly 35 0 0 35 1
144 Spoon to Boom, Gary Robertson 34 0 0 34 2
152 Bons Allstars, Ian Bonsall 33 0 0 33 3
157 A Senior Moment, Trevor Gretton 33 0 0 33 0
164 Izzet For Real, Will Ellis 32 0 0 32 1
166 Cooked Ham, Lisa Picker 31 0 0 31 2
167 Rockabilly Rovers, Terry Harvey 31 0 0 31 2
169 Forestboro, Jamie Molnar 30 0 0 30 0
187 I Predict A Riot, Josh Slack 24 0 0 24 0
193 My Webbed Feet, Phil "Fozzy" Foster 18 0 0 18 0

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Wages not paid, injuries......sound familar?

2011-12-07T21:18:00.000Z

Kettering’s previous game against York saw them ship seven goals; players leaving after wages not paid (sound familiar?), injuries, player embargo . . . and we think we have problems! Well, we had a real problem putting the ball into the onion bag as the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

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The lack of points and goals didn’t stop some of our managers making hay in the prediction league – Julian Tutty is showing some real form and is now only a whisker away from top spot on 55 with John Berry’s third XI tucked just behind on 54 with Neil Raper a further point back on 53. Raymond Percival has put himself into contention with his eight-pointer on 52; Tim Hewitson starting to show up on the league leader radar is now on 47 along with Paul (Flip) Hodgson. Paul Robinson on 46.

Mike Cleasby first XI joins Mike Cleasby second XI on 40 points along with Russell Jones. Corey Neilson is doing more than OK on 39 points in joint 82nd place; Avril Dent has hit the heights of top half of the table on 37 points; Janet Heath and Kevin Kidger have ambitions of reaching that top half spot on 34 points

Chris Kane refuses to give up on that top spot, on 62 points and joint top with Malcolm Cundick. Steve Curtis in third on 60 followed by Jean Johnson 59, Ecnal Dnaleri on 58 and Martin Clarke on 56.

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A HUUUUUUUUUUUGE gap of 6 points has opened up at the bottom – honestly, 6 points IS huge down among the stiffs. Richard Soul still on 12 but at least he’s got a host of managers on 18 points to aim for . . . Thomas Jackson, Phil Foster, Martyn Cripps Luke Hewitson and Andrew Pickersgill – some of the league’s finest managers fallen on hard times?

Pete

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Half-way house for Darlington's season

2011-12-05T10:18:00.001Z

It’s half-way house for Darlington’s season – 23 games played with the latest against the tough Forest Green Rovers who have been scoring for fun recently. And with no recognised strikers available, centreback Graeme Lee was pushed up front to provide a target. In truth, it meant The Quakers were pretty toothless in front of goal but they did well to hold Rovers to a 0-0 draw – with their opponents hitting the post twice in the second half.

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Not that many with the correct score then – Alex Wilson has hit 45 points so isn’t that far behind the leaders but David Welton is even better placed on 49. Lewis Raper’s 8-pointer gives him 39 points in 66th place with Nick Groves and The Stig just behind on 37. Harry Pape isn’t doing badly either with 34 points along with Steve Calvert’s third XI.

Jayne Hathaway is well in with a shout on 44, whilst Toby Corum’s third team has just scraped on to the first page of the league tables.

It’s not much change for others at the top and bottom of the table though several will have acquired a couple of points after some omitted scores have been added (league points after 15 games). So Malcolm Cundick is still there on 62, closely followed by Steve Curtis on 60 with one-time leader Chris Kane on 59 and our own Ecnal Dnaleri in fourth place on 58. Jean Johnson and Martin Clarke still pushing for honours on 56.

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No change for The Stiffs – Richard Soul retains bottom place on 12, Andrew Pickersgill, Martyn Cripps and Thomas Jackson remain just ahead on 15.

Darlo are due to play against Kettering on Tuesday evening with big problems over injuries and suspensions. However, this is nothing compared to the problems being experienced by Kettering who, it is rumoured, are due to hold a meeting on Monday evening to see if the club can survive. Football existence is becoming harder and harder each year at our level.

Pete
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Darlo Succumb to Trust Owned Club

2011-12-01T10:57:00.000Z

Darlo headed off to Wales for the visit to Wrexham, who today became the latest Supporters’ Trust-owned club after the sale went through before kick-off. But it was The Quakers who got off to the better start and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson put them ahead from the penalty spot after the biggest stonewall penalty ever. And they continued to play well and make good chances, particularly to Bowman in the second half. But a disputed goal (hand ball) and well-created free kick undid all the hard work. Manager Craig Liddle not happy at all with the officials in this 2-1 defeat.

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And all the top managers in the Come On Darlo Prediction League didn’t do themselves any favours, allowing Steve Curtis to jump into joint fifth on 55 after his correct score. Diana Willsher isn’t far behind on 52 in joint eighth, along with . . . ME!!!! (you don’t realise how long I’ve had to wait to be in the top ten!!!).

Richard Tilly’s max score moves him well away from the foot of the table in 108th place on 32, along with Brian Main and Karen Sheen; Sam Taylor and Paul Hodgson doing rather better in 60th with 39 points.

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Other top scorers: Carl Hankin, Chris Mackenzie, David Taylor, David Welton, Don Chesney, Emile Puttemans, Gary Elliott, Howard Hall, Ian Bonsall, Janet Heath, John Berry 1, John Gutenberg, Julian Tutty, Lorraine Arscott, Maurice Tennick, Mel Douglas, Michael Whitmann, Mick Moriarty, Mike Cleasby 2, Nathan Bedford Forest, Paul Soderman, Rhonda Fleming, Ron Manager, Stephen Atkinson, Walter Lucas, Will Caslon, Will Ellis.

It’s been a better points-scoring day at the foot of the table with a smattering for our bottom feeders, with only Richard Soul refusing to move off the 12-point mark.

Pete

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Lidds Continues to Weave his Magic!!

2011-11-29T10:31:00.000Z

You have to wonder about stand-in Darlo manager Craig Liddle, can he walk on water, too? That is, at the same time as running a highly successful youth scheme involving under-9s right through to under-16s; and now producing Darlington’s third successive win at home to a very respectable Tamworth team. Whatever the truth, I can’t think of a better servant to the club on and off the pitch – who has given so much in return for so little personal reward. But if you’ve ever met the man, you’ll know what a quiet, unassuming person he is.

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And this latest win, 2-0, with goals from Adam Rundle and youngster Dale Hopson (who seems to be attracting a few visitors from higher up the leagues) has bombarded the Come On Darlo Prediction League with a mass of points – only 34 managers didn’t predict a home win (shame on you!!!). And with that Malcolm Cundick’s third XI has ascended the throne (for now) - sitting there with 62 points – his other two teams strangely had the same result :) :) :)

Chris Kane drops back to second on 59, but Jean Johnson’s eight-pointer moves her to third on 36. Long-distance man Martin Clarke jumps back into contention on 53 points with his max score, joining Neil Danby in fourth place.

And the host of other top scorers are: Alec Lawson, Alex Wilson, Alf Hutchinson, Andrew Serginson, Andrew Vernon, Avril Dent, Carl Hankin, Chris Mackenzie, Chris Walton, Colin Wakefield, Dave Woods, Diana Willsher, Ecnal Dnaleri, Edward Cundick, Frank Mann, James Cagney, John Baskerville, John Berry 1, Kevin Kidger, Lance Ireland, Lewis Raper, Mark Kirk, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Michael Roberts, Neil Raper, Nick Walters, Paul Hodgson, Peter Ashmore 1, Peter White, Randolph Scott, Richard Widmark, Robert Mitchum, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Duffy 1, Steve McGarvie, Tim Hewitson, Will Caxton

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The bottom three become four – Andrew Pickersgill joining Luke Hewitson, Richard Soul and Thomas Jackson, all with 12 points. Bit hard to divide a wooden spoon into four!!!

Away to league leaders Wrexham on Wednesday night – live on TV if you have that pay-per-view channel tucked away in the nether regions of Sky. Can the miracle continue?

Pete

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Lidds Weaves His Magic!

2011-11-20T21:50:00.000Z

There’s been another two-week break in Darlington’s season, but Craig Liddle has continued to weave his magic right throughout the club’s teams. While the youth team goes from strength to strength winning through to an FA cup tie against Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena (yeah, right!), the first team travelled to Ebbsefleet with several of the youth team in the squad.

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And it was attacking midfielder Dale Hopson, making his frist team debut, who stole the show with a complete alround performance. His injury time goal giving the team a fine and deserved 3-1 win.

And ten managers found the midas touch with that scoreline – Malcolm Cundick’s third XI being the main beneficiaries moving up to second place on 54 behind Chris Kane on 59. Damian Dickson on 52 and Neil Danby on 50 complete those who’ve broken the half century barrier. Sarah Walton, 49; and Jean Johnson, 48; have slipped down to fifth and sixth, respectively.

Burt Lancaster (45) is just ahead of Ecnal Dnaleri (44) after both scored maximums, whilst Ecnal’s twin brother Lance also achieved a maximum and is now on 41. Alex Hope is well within shouting distance on 42.

Another star Robert Mitchum has 37 points in 30th place along with Stuart Williams, Malcolm Cundick also has his first team in sight of league glory, sitting in 37th place on 36 points. Julie Gardner is now creeping up that table on 35 points. Tony Taylor is almost out of the bottom half now on 29 points in joint 90th place.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

And it’s still only nine points for Luke Hewitson, Richard Soul and Thomas Jackson at the foot of the table – there was a time I thought they might get more than Darlo.

Pete
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How's that for an eventful couple of weeks??

2011-11-07T08:37:00.000Z

Well, that’s been an eventful couple of weeks – we’ve carelessly lost a manager and his assistant; we’ve lost just about every available match it’s possible to lose including 3-0 away at lower league Hinckley in the FA Cup qualifying round; we’ve lost the patience of owner Raj Singh who is publicly calling for all-round player pay cuts and foresees another club administration if he doesn’t get his way on a number of planning issues; and despite all this Darlington beat Telford 1-0 with a penalty from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson.

And there’s a sea-change at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League – three of the top four managers are ladies leading the way!!! Chris Kane’s latest eight-pointer has opened up a seven-point gap at the top, on 56 points. Early leader Sarah Walton re-appears in second on 49 and it’s only Damian Dickson who on 49 who prevents a female 1-2-3.

Have they had a more realistic view on Darlo scores? Or have they been using the old sticky pin method? No matter which, they’re showing the other managers the way to go.

Neil Danby’s max score moves him to joint fifth with Stephen Nicholson, both have 47 points. Malcolm Cundick’s third XI has never enjoyed so much success in seventh on 46; whilst our distant cousin Martin Clarke hangs in there on 45 points.

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Quite a few other managers also with top points: Alex Wilson, Andrew Ashmore, Arthur Dent, Billy Cass, Daniel Robinson, Emile Puttemans, Gary Woods, Ian Bonsall, James Longstreet, John Gutenberg, John Sainsbury, Julian Tutty, Lewis Raper, Lisa Picker, Matthew Ashmore, Nathan Bedford Forest, Neil Danby, Oliver Bainbridge, Peter Ashmore 2, Russell Jones 1, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Dickson, Steve Duffy 2, Terry Simpson, Will Caslon

Tail End Charlies are Thomas Jackson, Richard Soul, Luke Hewitson and Andrew Pickersgill . . . all long-time supporters of the prediction league who really should know better. But for now their 9 points tally binds them together. But is that gap opening up?

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

And what next for Darlo? Well, we’ve another gap before the next game as we’re no longer in the FA Cup . . . so fingers crossed we’re here next time

Pete

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Cooper & Dryden Leave Darlo

2011-10-24T21:05:00.000+01:00

Darlington Football Club tonight announced the Manager Mark Cooper and his assistant, Richard Dryden, have left the football club.

The move follows on from the embarrassing defeat at Braintree last Saturday and clearly this was the last straw.

Cooper and Dryden will always be remembered for bringing Wembley success in the FA Trophy to the Quakers last season.

The Trust wish Mark Cooper and Richard Dryden every success in the future and thank them for their efforts on behalf of Darlington Football Club.

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Heck, this is getting embarrassing....

2011-10-24T21:01:00.000+01:00

Heck, this is getting embarrassing now!!! A 3-1 away defeat to . . . Braintree, those giants of the Blue Square Premier. And it’s more so as the realisation sinks home that we’re just an average team in this league, with more chance of relegation than promotion. Where to now for the team and the club?

It’s not just bad for Darlo, it’s having a knock-on effect for all managers, too. No-one (in their right mind) predicted a 3-1 defeat and so it proved and only a smattering got this home win. So points are as rare as hen’s teeth and rocking horse poop combined.

Those who scored three points: Dan and Jean, Dan Duryea, Elaine Battison, Graham Wakeling, Humphrey Bogart, James Houghton, James McNaughton, Jeff Maughan, Paul Dickson, Paul Robinson, Russell Jones 1, Stephen Gawthrop, Stephen Lander, Steve Duffy 1, Steve Duffy 2, Stewart Hoy, Terence Sadler, Toby Corum 2, Will Caslon, Will Caxton.

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It was always the hope that a manager would break through the 200-point barrier when winning the title . . . at this rate we’ll be lucky to break 100 . . . such are the scores we’re seeing and those very reasonable pre-season expectations now being dashed.

There’s not much change in the league tables and next week sees our annual foray into the FA Cup with a qualifying game against Hinckley. Let’s hope for some cup cheer.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Pete
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COLD . . . HOT . . . HOT . . . COLD . . .

2011-10-19T08:43:00.000+01:00

COLD . . . HOT . . . HOT . . . COLD . . . it’s the story of Darlo’s form this season, meanwhile a play-off place looks to be further and further away. And after a hot spell, we’ve entered the chill part of the cycle as the two previous games containing much improved play was replaced by a frustrating 1-0 home defeat to Barrow. Their win was pretty much deserved . . . they did a good job on Darlo.

It was a near-barren night (there’s got to be an oldie-type joke in there somewhere) for our managers with only five correct scores . . . with Steve Curtis making good use of his 8 points to move within 5 of the league leader. Maureen Taylor was the next highest placed max-scorer, moving up to 11th with 39 points.

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Lee Dyas and Stewart Hoy are handily placed on 31 points in 35th place; Jayne Hathaway only three points behind in 48th spot.

There weren’t that many who even predicted the correct result, so it’s As You Were at the top and the bottom of the league.

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The Only Way is Essex this weekend for Darlo . . . at Braintree, who managed to score four goals away to Kidderminster. It was a shame, therefore, that Kiddy managed five of their own.

Crazy, crazy, crazy league this season!!!

Pete

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A Week in Politics and Football....

2011-10-16T08:14:00.000+01:00

A week in politics (and football) is a long time – after the big downer at Bath, being beaten by the bottom placed team, it’s now two wins on the trot . . . 4-3 in midweek followed by today’s 1-0 home win against Kidderminster. And again it was the team’s spirit and tenacity which proved decisive . . . not letting Kiddy have a moment’s peace in any area of the pitch and which paid dividends ten minutes from time when Munoz lashed the ball into the net from close range. Players and staff left to a standing ovation and cheers . . . a week is definitely a long time in football.

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Chris Kane is one of a host of managers with the correct scoreline but, more importantly, shoots him into second place in the table on 48 points and just one behind leader Damian Dickson. Jean Johnson is in third with 45, Stephen Nicholson in fourth with 44, Malcolm Cundick’s third XI on 43 in fifth spot. Martin Cass’s eight-pointer sees him move to sixth along with Martin Clarke.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Jonny Simpson’s max score sees him on 36, Kev Leatherbarrow is well in contention on 33 as is Paul White and David Welton. Other top scorers are: Adrian Pape, Alec Lawson, Billy Cass, Chris Vallis, Daniel Robinson, Dave Wilson, Dean Martin, Doreen Lang, Ethan Vallis, Gary Robertson, Graham Wakeling, Iain Cardwell, James Longstreet, John Baskerville, Malcolm Cundick 1, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Maurice Tennick, Mick Moriarty, Nathan Bedford Forest, Oliver Bainbridge, Peter Ashmore 2, Steve Duffy 2, Toby Corum 3, Will Caslon.

With Billy Cass finally scoring a maximum, bottom place is now Souly occupied by Richard (geddit!). It’s a poor showing for the quartet just ahead on 9 points – Andrew Pickersgill, Lewis Raper, Luke Hewitson and Thomas Jackson.

Can The Quakers extend their winning sequence on Tuesday?

Pete

For all you “oldies” out there, it was a Max Boyce moment . . . “I was there”.

2011-10-13T15:07:00.000+01:00

For all you “oldies” out there, it was a Max Boyce moment . . . “I was there”.

I was there when the team pulled together after a really bad week . . . no, I mean a REALLY bad week . . . and proceeded to find their shooting boots and put FOUR past Stockport County away from home. It was the three we conceded that had me worried!!!

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Fans had hardly sat down before Chandler pounced on a loose ball to trundle it into the net – fantastic!!! Only for the equaliser to arrive from the kick-off (3 minutes gone) and then we found ourselves 2-1 down after 12 minutes. Oh dear, back to square one!!!

But not a bit of it, Walshaw equalised . . . with his knee . . . and the game was all-square at half time. Not for long as Stockport took the lead with a massively deflected shot. But heads didn’t drop and Chandler picked up loose ball in the area and poked it into the corner of the net. After that there were chances at both ends but it was Greg Taylor who stepped up five minutes from time to blast a shot from 25 yards into the corner.

Cue wild scenes from Darlo fans, both for the goal and the end of the game. Much rejoicing all round!!!

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

You’re joking aren’t you? You didn’t really expect anyone to get the 4-3 away scoreline did you? But there were quite a few with away wins. Also this game was the 15th in the league and one of our trigger points – for the number of league points – 19. Must admit I was hoping for a few more than that at this stage of the season.

Nevertheless, three managers had the correct number - Chris Walton, Mel Douglas and Steve Calvert 3. Mel has done well out this and now has 28 points; Steve Calvert’s third XI is achieving some kind of safety on 20 points; but Chris Walton’s 14 points after his five-pointer has just dragged him above the drop zone.

Damian Dickson still leading the way on 46; Jean Johnson rises to second on 42 with Stephen Nicholson and James Houghton on 41. But it’s a real quagmire of a league at the moment . . . everyone stuck and struggling with the unpredictable nature of Darlo FC.

Pete

Hi! My name is Pete . . . I used to be a Man Utd fan

2011-10-08T18:48:00.000+01:00

Hi! My name is Pete . . . I used to be a Man Utd fan

There, I’ve said it. So what possessed me to switch to Darlo at an age when I should have known better? I could have had almost uninterrupted success and glory with “The Reds” over the last 30-plus years. And yet, I wouldn’t swap the promotion teams I’ve seen plus the Wembley win for anything my second team has done. Still doesn’t make today’s 2-0 defeat at bottom club Bath any easier to take. And you’ve got to wonder where the team and, more importantly, the club go from here.

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Hey, but enough of my confession, there’s important points at stake here for nearly 200 managers . . . shame so few of us managed to get any then!!! Well, you don’t expect to lose to Bath, do you?

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

A grand total of five achieved maximum points – with Jean Johnson possibly wearing the biggest smile tonight as she moves into third spot on 39 points, joining Neil Danby and James Houghton in the chase for the title. Damian Dickson (44) and Stephen Nicholson (41) still out in front.

James McNaughton and Maureen Taylor now have 28 in 26th place; with Gary Parle just behind in 35th on 26. Stewart Hoy’s maximum has dragged him from the depths to semi-respectability on 17 points in 112th place.

There was a smattering of 3-pointers which kept the scoreboard ticking over, but only just.

Billy Cass still dominates in last place on 3 points, but with Richard Soul and Thomas Jackson way ahead on twice as many points (I love statistics to distort reality). What is true, however, is a mass of managers with only 9 points . . . so many I’d get repetitive strain injury typing them all out!!!

Next game (No. 15) is the first trigger point for league points predictions . . . anyone still think we’d be in the teens?

Pete

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Yeyyyyyy!!! A Win!!! A Clean Sheet!!!

2011-10-01T20:17:00.000+01:00

Yeyyyyyyyyyyy!!!! A win!!! . . . A clean sheet!!! . . . three points!!!
And the play was certainly an improvement from Tuesday night, not difficult mind!!! A Bridge-Wilkinson penalty followed by Purcell’s shot on the turn gave The Quakers a first half lead which they didn’t really look like losing at any time.

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It’s been a popular scoreline for our managers with Stephen Nicholson now challenging Damian Dickson for top spot – Steve’s eight points have brought him within three of Damian on 44. James Houghton is third on 39, with Malcolm Cundick third XI and Sarah Walton on 39. Chris Kane’s max score moves him into sixth on 37.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

New boy Oliver Bainbridge gets his first maximum to move him comfortably up the table. Ruth Woods has hit the top half of the table on 20 points. Maurice Tennick has 17 and Martin Clarke has 33 points.

Other top scorers are: Callum Vallis, Carl Hankin, Colin Wakefield, Corey Neilson, Dave Woods, Dean Martin, Deepak Patrai, Don Chesney, Doreen Lang, Ecnal Dnaleri, Emile Puttemans, Ethan Vallis, James Longstreet, James McNaughton, Lance Ireland, Malcolm Cundick 2, Neil Raper, Paul Johnson 1, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Ricky Kelly, Simon Cowing, Steve McGarvie, Thom Kennedy, Tim Hewitson, Walter Lucas, Will Caslon, Will Caxton

And a raft of points in the lower leagues has left Billy Cass adrift on 3 points . . . with Richard Soul, Thomas Jackson and Toby Corum on six each.

Pete
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I was there when...

2011-09-29T10:33:00.000+01:00

It was one of those occasions when every one of the 1,600-plus crowd could say “I was there” . . . you know, similar to THAT Welling game or knocking the Poolies out of the play-off semis or THAT Wembley game. Unfortunately, for those 1,600-plus fans it was a game in which the 0-3 score was almost incidental to the manner in which it occurred.

You had to be there . . . no, seriously, you HAD to be there!!! To say it was inept is being kind . . . it was so bad that there was a kind of end-of-the-road quality about it; that we’d reached a tilting point in the club’s history and future. The team, going behind to an early soft goal, seemed to lose any heart and enthusiasm to the task in hand and were bereft of ideas how to get back in the game. A carbon copy second goal ensued followed by a shot from outside the area sealing The Quakers’ fate . . . with many fans leaving well before the end.

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A really sad point in Darlo’s long trek – let’s hope for better things at home on Saturday.

So, what happened in the serious world of predicting match scores? Well, 189 managers believed that Southport would either get a draw or be beaten. Five managers thought Southport would win and of those, none believed the scoreline would be 0-3. Consequently, the new league table would have to be examined by forensic scientists for microscopic clues to spot the points and position changes.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Our intrepid five managers who gathered in three points each are: Graham Wakeling, Harry Pape, Jane Lucas, Liam Pape, Toby Corum 2

Saturday is gonna be one of trepidation for fans, players, manager and owner – what kind of team performance will be on show? 1-0 victory with the ball rebounding in off three defenders would do me . . . playing well would be a welcome bonus.

Pete

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AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGH!!!

2011-09-29T10:31:00.002+01:00

That Wembley win seems so far away right now, after another point-less game away at Cambridge. A goal in each half condemned Darlington to 16th place in the Blue Square Premier League and now 7 points behind a play-off place. It’s a MUST WIN on Tuesday for The Quakers (think I’ve heard that one a few times this season already).

Even if Darlo aren’t on top form, we have Damian Dickson who is . . . two maximums in a row have catapulted him to the top of the table on 44 points, six clear of early leader Sarah Walton who has 38. James Houghton has 36 in third, while Malcolm Cundick’s third team is showing how it’s done in fourth on 35 after his max score.

Liam Pape has jumped into major contention with his eight points and is now on 28 in 13th place. Kev Leatherbarrow is not far behind on 25 points with his max score. Keith Appleton has moved into the top quarter of the table with his 8-pointer on 22 along with me (still Shocking Defending, mind!). David Welton is on 20 points and Ricky Kelly has shot away from the foot of the table and now has 11 points.

It’s left only four managers on 3 points in the league’s bargain basement – Billy Cass, Ethan Vallis, Richard Soul and Thomas Jackson – let’s hope they can pick up form . . . just like Darlo!!!!

Pete

If you'd offered me a point before the game......

2011-09-21T08:41:00.000+01:00

“If you’d offered me a point before the game . . .” Yes, that old chestnut but probably more true after Darlo’s recent run of only one point from three games. And it was only a great strike in the last ten minutes which deprived The Quakers of all three points, as they found themselves penned in their own half by York City. After going behind on 71 seconds, Darlo’s Walshaw found his scoring boots and Bridge-Wilkinson converted from the penalty spot before half time. Final Score 2-2.

Quite a few managers had the 2-2 scoreline, with Damian Dickson and James Houghton benefiting most, closing the gap at the top of the table to two points – both on 36. Sarah Walton clings to top spot after a fruitless evening. Neil Danby and Stephen Nicholson also scored maximums and move into fourth spot on 33.

Chris Kane ain’t doing badly in 18th place on 26 points; Corey Neilson jumped into the top half of the table on 17 along with Michael Whitmann; Stephen Bennett in on 22 points in 31st place as is Sam Taylor.

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The rest with 8 points: Carol Mackenzie, Dan Taylor, Diana Willsher, Elaine Battison, Harry Pape, Jeff Maughan, John Berry 3, Keith Appleton, Lee Dyas, Malcolm Cundick 1, Malcolm Cundick 3, Nick Walters, Terry Harvey.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Meanwhile, some managers are heading for double dip recession at the Greek end of the table – Billy Cass, Ethan Vallis, Richard Soul, Ricky Kelly, Stewart Hoy, Thomas Jackson and Toby Corum 3 are all left wondering where their growth potential is coming from, how they can improve their GDP. At the present time, we’re marking down their (football) credit rating to “junk bonds”. Must do better!!!

Prediction League raises £270 for Craig Liddle’s youth set-up

A number of managers have kindly added donations to their entry fees which (after prizemoney is paid out) will mean a donation of £270 towards the youth set-up. A great big thank you to all who entered and donated. Come the end of the season there could be even more donations available as several have also pledged any winnings to this great cause.

Pete

Urgent Appeal from Darlo......

2011-09-17T19:42:00.000+01:00

An urgent appeal has gone out from Darlington manager Mark Cooper for a set of barn doors . . . to provide shooting practice for his forwards. After a bright start, where the Hayes & Yeading keeper made a couple of good close-range saves and another shot was blasted over the bar, Darlington seemed to sit back a little and were punished in the second half after a wayward pass from the returning Chandler. A late Bowman goal salvaged a point for The Quakers in front of a crowd of just over 1,800.

I’m beginning to wonder if our league leader knows even more than she’s letting on – another points scoring day saw her lead extended at the top of the table but it’s the team name that worried me . . . “Another False Dawn”. Just WHAT do you know?

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Steve Calvert is in second, seven points behind on 31, with Damian Dickson, James Houghton, Jean Johnson and Martin Cass in third on 28. Steve Curtis leads the chasing pack on 27.

Only eight managers achieved maximum scores – Mike Cass, David Taylor and Jonny Simpson are the biggest winners, all moving up to joint eighth place on 25 points. Burt Lancaster and Ecnal Dnaleri (he worked at Bletchley Park, you know . . . you’ll NEVER break his code!) are just behind in 17th on 22 points.

Mick Spencer is definitely “Closing The Gap” with his eight points and is on 20 points in 27th spot. Malcolm Cundick’s third XI has broken ranks with his other two sides and is on 19 points. And the only thing keeping Tracey Pickersgill from the top half of the table – a very good top half of the table – is alphabetical order. Tracey now has 14 points in joint 64th place (along with a squillion other managers).

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Only another 12 managers scored any points as the rest of us expected Darlo to turn over Hayes & Yeading (very unsporting of both of them to turn up!!!).

It’s good news on the Toby Corum front, mind!!! He’s finally got the Nul Points monkey off his back, scoring three and joining a number of others on that decidedly average total.

Darlo away at York on Tuesday – always a tough game.

Pete

A Bad Day at the Office!!!

2011-09-14T21:34:00.000+01:00

Another hard day at the office for Darlington, this time “only” conceding two goals away at Luton . . . and this in spite of losing defender Lee before half-time for two bookings. It’s turning out to be a bit more difficult this season than pre-season games suggested . . . bring on Hayes & Yeading . . . lambs to the slaughter!!!

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It’s nothing but easy for Sarah Walton . . . this football prediction thingy. Now on 35 points at the top of the table after her fourth correct prediction in eight games. Continue like this and all records will be smashed. Mind you, 53 other managers had the same scoreline this weekend so perhaps not that outstanding!!! Steve Calvert has 31 points in second place, with the trio of Damian Dickson, James Houghton and Martin Cass on 28. Steve Curtis in sixth with 27.

Some of those who scored eight: Julie Gardner is in the thick of it in seventh on 25 points; Lisa Picker has jumped away from the relegation places to 117th on 11 points; Stuart Williams more than doubled his points tally to 14 in 58th place and Neil Wakelam fared even better on 17 points in 38th spot.

The rest of max scorers: Alex Hope, Andrew Vernon, Arthur Dent, Beth Taylor, Chris Mackenzie, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, David Taylor, Elaine Battison, Frank Mann, Garry Mann, Gary Elliott, Humphrey Bogart, Ian Bonsall, Jeff Maughan, John Baskerville, Julian Tutty, Kev Leatherbarrow, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Lear, Mark Stephenson, Martyn Cripps 2, Matthew Ashmore, Mel Douglas, Mike Cass, Mike Cleasby 1, Mike Cleasby 2, Neil Raper, Nick Groves, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 1, Peter Ashmore 2, Rhonda Fleming, Sam Taylor, Simon Cowing, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Bennett, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Mann, Terence Sadler, Thom Kennedy, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1, Wayne Gibson . . . told you there was a lot!!!

Toby Corum still has the unenviable title of Tail End Charlie – nul points still firmly held, but only one score away from . . . not having nul points!!! A whole bunch of managers only on three points so nothing’s signed, sealed and delivered.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

OK, on present form (or perhaps not) I’m going for a 1-0 win against H&Y to get us back on track.

Pete

Darlo's Six Point Bank Holiday Joy

2011-08-30T12:48:00.000+01:00

A happy weekend for all the Darlo fans – another game another 3 points. Lincoln City were the visitors to The Arena on Bank Holiday Monday and looked a pale shadow of a side . . . The Quakers dominating procedures for the first hour of the game by which time they were 3-0 up and could have had a few more. A great shot from outside the area made the final score 3-1 – and that with our reserve strikeforce!!!

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Steve Calvert’s second XI has leapt to the top of the table with his eight points for a correct score, joining both James Houghton and Neil Danby on 25 points. Sarah Walton and Steve Curtis are now becalmed on 24. Jean Johnson moves up to sixth with 22 and Lance Ireland (the real one) is on 19 in tenth.

Others with eight-pointers: Burt Lancaster, Dean Martin, Don Chesney, James Cagney, Jenny Maughan, Lynne Pape, Paul Soderman, Rhonda Fleming, Russell Jones 2

And then there were two . . . Toby Corum 3 and Terry Harvey are now the only two managers without a point.

Pete

Darlo Can't Seem to Lose at Grimsby

2011-08-28T19:25:00.003+01:00

Darlington completed their seventh away victory at Grimsby by 2 goals to 1 in their last eight visits . . . the other game being a draw. And the team changes made by manager Mark Cooper after recent lacklustre performances seem to have done the trick. Goals came from Greg Taylor and Paul Arnison, with a wonder save by Sammy Russell right at the end preserving all three points.

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And after a blistering start for Sarah Walton with three consecutive correct scores, it’s beginning to head towards lacklustre as another nul points game sees her still top on 24 along with Steve Curtis, who also had a blank Saturday.

A fair few 8-pointers yesterday have propelled them into the top 25% of the league table (it’s early days lads and lasses), with Graham Wakeling and Neil Danby the biggest winners now in third spot on 22, with Steve Calvert in eighth on 17. A host of max scorers are on 14 in tenth place – Andrew Vernon, John Berry 1, Julie Gardner, Liam Pape, Mark Lear, Michael Swain, Mick Moriarty, Raymond Percival, Robert Mitchum, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Duffy 1, Toby Corum 2 and Troy Lacend.

Remaining max scorers are in 33rd place on 11 points – Alex Hope, Lance Ireland, Richard Widmark and The Stig.

It’s not so good at the other end of the table as last season’s champion Ethan Vallis is one of five yet to get off the mark. Dean Martin’s team “Not Enough Indians” will shortly be renamed “Not Enough Points”, whilst Stewart Hoy’s rock ‘n’ roll party music is yet to start – as has Terry Harvey’s Rockabilly Rovers (perhaps they should form a band). And Toby Corum’s third XI brings up the rear – Toby teams always flirting with first and / or last place.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Onwards and upwards for Darlo on Monday against Lincoln City

Pete

Oh Well, At Least Senior got Applause!

2011-08-24T12:34:00.000+01:00

The biggest rounds of applause tonight was for returning Wembley goal hero Chris Senior – when the team sheet was read out and when he was substituted in the second half half. They’ll never take that away from him . . . or us!!! The night for Darlo went downhill after that really – in spite of taking an early second half lead through James Walshaw’s first league goal, they couldn’t push home their advantage.

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And they paid for this 12 minutes from time when Darlo conceded a second penalty in successive games to drop two valuable points. And our league leader also dropped valuable points – Sarah Walton’s consecutive correct scores coming to an end. Steve Curtis, pride of the Hayssen Sandiacre mini-league, has joined her at the top on 24 points with his own eight-pointer.

And the good thing about scoring an eight-pointer this early in the season is that you’re almost certain to shoot into the top area of the league. So it is with our other six max-scorers – Martin Cass has joined James Houghton and Martin Clarke on 19 points in third place; Diana Willsher isn’t far behind on 16 in sixth spot; Damian Dickson is in seventh on 14 along with Nick Walters; Jean Johnson on 11 in 14th; and Paul Johnson’s first XI in 33rd place.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Still a few managers with Nul points – but no need to worry . . . just yet!!!

Pete

YAHOO!!! WE’RE UP AND RUNNING . . . FINALLY!!!

2011-08-22T11:17:00.002+01:00

(sorry for the delay . . . I blame the wedding, plus very serious technical problems)

It’s been another fantastic entry into this, our eighth Come On Darlo Prediction League – 194 managers battling it out for the top prize of £100 and, more importantly, the prestige of being “Top Dog” in your own lunchtime. Thanks for your support once again and also to those who added donations – all profits going towards Craig Liddle’s successful youth setup.

Check out the latest Prediction League Tables here

Last season’s champ Ethan Vallis is back to defend his title, but there will be stiff opposition from old hands at this game . . . but we also welcome entries from several first-timers. Remember, keep a check on your scores and if any queries email me here straight away.

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So what’s happened in the first 3 games? Well, we managed to scramble a 1-0 home win in the opening game against Braintree and then a very creditable 0-0 away at most people’s favourites for the league – Fleetwood – where by all accounts we were the better team. So, coming in to today’s game against Tamworth hopes were high that a third successive clean sheet would lead to a Darlo win.

But not a bit of it, as manager Cooper said “we wouldn’t have scored if we’d stayed all night”, as a late penalty consigned The Quakers to their first defeat.

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None of this has bothered Sarah Walton – three correct scores out of three with 24 points!!! I advise getting those lottery tickets put on as well, Sarah. This is a fantastic start to the season, but not clear of the field by any means as both James Houghton and Martin Clarke are just behind on 19 points with Steve Curtis just a little further back on 16 in fourth place.

Only ten managers have yet to break their points duck, so is this the season where the winner breaks the 200-point barrier?

Pete

And the Winner is.......

2011-06-01T14:15:00.000+01:00

Ethan Vallis!!! (Sorry Chris . . . he he)

Well done Ethan on a fantastic end to the season, leaving your run until late on and then taking the league title by a clear 15 points.

1st – Ethan Vallis – 194 points - £100
2nd – Steve Calvert – 179 points - £50
3rd – Humphrey Bogart – 178 points - £25

It’s been a close-fought league right up to the play-off finals weekend, but Ethan predicted both Peterborough and Huddersfield in the final AND in the correct position - for what turned out to be a comfortable victory. And it was his mastery in the “League and Cup” section where he achieved ELEVEN . . . yes, ELEVEN . . . correct predictions which really proved to be the difference.

Steve Calvert, long-time contender, just pipped another long-time contender Humphrey Bogart by one point to second place - Steve reached 179 points to The Humph’s 178. Cheques and Certificates will be in the post very soon guys.

And it was a case of “So Close, Yet So Far” for our nearly men and women. Martin Cass finished fourth on 172 and Chris Walton one point back on 171; Christian Fox’s debut season has ended very respectably in sixth place on 167. Edward Cundick 166, Troy Lacend 166, Will Caxton 165 and Steve Calvert (again) on 165 round off the top ten places. Don’t forget, final placings are based on total points and then the tie-breaker of correct Darlo scores achieved.

Top Lady is Lorraine Arscott in 13th place on 162, followed by Rhonda Fleming in 16th on 160 (how does she know so much about “soccaaaaa”?) and Lucy Grainge in 17th on 160 points.

And the Wooden Spoon was an even tighter affair – three managers finished on 86 points, but David Sheppey eventually “triumphing” on the countback system. The Spoon (of the extremely naff variety) will be on its way to you in the very near future David!!!

Top three in each section are:

Darlington Scores:
1 – Humphrey Bogart – 133 points
2 – Paul Robinson – 125 points
3 – Steve Calvert – 125 points

League and Cup:
1 – Ethan Vallis – 68 points
2 – Darren Darvill – 47 points
3 – Lynne Pape – 47 points

Local Football:
1 – Adrian Lynch – 37 points
2 – Will Caxton – 37 points
3 – Randolph Scott – 32 points

It’s been a record-breaking Come On Darlo Prediction League this season with 204 managers entered, not only culminating in a close-fought battle but in Darlo’s fantastic trip to Wembley on May 7 with that last-gasp win over Mansfield. Go on, have a look at that goal once more, you know you want to!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlZohZoadGY

Around £250 has been raised this year for The Quakers’ youth development run by Craig Liddle and a big thanks to Lance Ireland who has added an extra £25 by donating his prize for finishing third. Let’s hope the next Dan Burn won’t be too far away in that youth system!!!

A big thank you to all who took part and, as always, if you weren’t mentioned in regular emails this season . . . very sorry, but you weren’t good enough or bad enough!!!

Hope to see you all next season for Round 8 – Pete

The Agony and the Ecstasy

2011-05-22T21:14:00.000+01:00

The Premier League comes to an end and the agony and ecstasy for the big boys was fulfilled with the Champions League and relegation places decided, along with the finishing positions of both Sunderland and Newcastle. With Man Utd and Chelsea already confirmed as top two before today, it was left to Man City and Arsenal to complete the fop four. But at the foot of the table it was heartache for Blackpool and Birmingham, who join West Ham relegated to the Championship. We’ll miss Ian Holloway’s interviews on TV.

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Sunderland ended as top dogs in the North East in tenth place, whilst Newcastle could only manage 12th. And, of course, we’ve had the Blue Square Premiership play-off final where AFC Wimbledon have achieved the fantastic feat of returning to the Football League . . . and you just know they’re gonna play the MK Dons very soon. Someone get me a ticket? Luton Town again miss out and remain to face us again next season.

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But it isn’t the end for our league managers, so the agony and ecstasy goes on – with only the league play-offs to come. And there has been a seismic change at the top of the table with long-time leader Humphrey Bogart slipping back to second on 174 points with our new leader Ethan Vallis on 184. Ethan has had a fantastic spell with the promotion / relegation section of the competition – predicting no less than TEN correct positions for various teams, including all top four in the Premiership.

Will he be there at the end as there are still 30 points up for grabs? Steve Calvert has re-appeared in third place on 169 just ahead of Troy Lacend on 166, with Martin Cass and Christian Fox one behind on 165. Chris Walton and Liam Pape are one further back on 164, Paul Robinson on 163 and Lorraine Arscott on 162 – our top tenners (not the Pavarotti types, mind).

Surely the top three places will be decided by these managers – or will someone leap up from the following pack?

It’s been reasonably seismic at the fag end of the table, too. David Sheppey has managed to move off the bottom of the table, to be replaced by Gary Robertson. Mind, Gary’s 84 points is only two behind David and Pete Knight – with plenty of other managers within striking distance of owning that coveted wooden spoon.

So, it’s on to the final weekend of games – the play-off finals where there will be further agony and ecstacy. And who knows, it might be us in 12 months time . . . could quite get used to that winning Wembley feeling :)

Pete

How that other little final affects the Darlo Trust Prediction League tables - get ready for a nail biting finish!!!

2011-05-16T10:32:00.000+01:00

It was the turn of that other FA Final this weekend . . . FA Cup something or other I believe . . . anyway it was the new vultures on the block Manchester City who triumphed over little-fancied Stoke City. The Mancs ran out 1-0 winners – remind you of anything? :) Certainly didn’t have the same interest for me . . . in fact only watched about ten minutes and was bored rigid. Bring on the Blue Square Premier next season!!!

And for those who fancy watching some of the Darlo highlights again . . . why not!!! :)
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFATrophy

And plenty more fans’ videos and pictures on here:
http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=566

Stoke were so little-fancied in our Come on Darlo Prediction League that no-one had them down as either winners or losers in this final, though quite a few plumped for Man City to win or lose it. These clever “winning” people are: Adrian Lynch, Anthony Leigh, Billy Cass, Chris MacKenzie 3, Christian Fox, Darren Darvill, David Sheppey 2, Ethan Vallis, James Cagney, James Houghton, Jeff Maughan, John Gutenberg, Jonny Simpson, Lewis Raper, Lynne Pape, Mark Hathaway, Mark O'Neill, Nads Charity, Paul White, Peter White, Stephen Bennett, Steve Curtis, Toby Corum 2, Trevor Gretton.

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And the Premier League had some final places confirmed this weekend. Manchester United won it again for the 12th time since the Premier League was formed . . . and I believe only three other clubs have won it in that time. Chelsea’s draw with Newcastle sees them confirmed as runners-up, whilst West Ham’s fate has finally been sealed at the foot of the table in 20th place. No longer the Happy Hammers then!

Check out the Prediction League Table Here

But what about the most important league? Well, Ethan Vallis’ vast knowledge of the whole football league is standing him in good stead as he’s amassed 41 points so far, with more results still to come. And these points have pushed him into a strong second place on 167, just three behind our long-term leader Humphrey Bogart on 170. Troy Lacend is in third on 162 to complete the top three places (for now) . . . but it isn’t over by any stretch of the imagination for perhaps another 12-15 managers below these medallists.

And while one superstar sits proudly at the top of the table, another fallen star sits rather dejectedly at the bottom – Burt Lancaster is adrift by two points on 75 from Gary Robertson on 77 and Toby Corum and David Sheppey on 78. The league organising committee is already dusting off the loser’s ribbons for the (extremely) naff Wooden Spoon . . . just waiting for those final points to come in.

Premier League is complete next weekend along with final positions for Sunderland and Newcastle . . . leaving only the play-off finals to score afterwards.

Pete

We’re the famous Darlington and we’ve WON at Wemberlee!!!

2011-05-08T13:09:00.000+01:00

Wemberlee . . . Wemberlee

What a day, what a performance . . . and what a result!!!

As the national stadium basked in the heat of a lovely May day, 25,000 fans anticipated their big occasion in the capital for the FA Trophy final. And a cagey opening period showed Darlington as the better team, with man-of-the-match Chandler running all over midfield making tackles and spraying passes about. And with The Quakers hitting the bar and post during the game it only seemed a matter of time before they made a breakthrough.

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And with a couple of these chances coming right at the end of normal time, many fans were wondering “Oh no, not again”. But the force was still with Darlington in extra time and so came that magic moment in the last minute when Tommy Wright’s back-header hit the top of the cross-bar and bounced back into play . . . only to be met by the smallest player on the pitch Chris Senior to head into the roof of the net.

Cue the wild scenes in one half of the ground as strangers hugged each other and went mental . . . all at the same time. And there was just enough time to survive one further Mansfield attack before the final whistle went . . . for further scenes of jubilation. Are things finally on the turn for this club?

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For those who weren’t there (or just want to enjoy again), here are some highlights from the FA’s website:
http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFATrophy

And plenty more fans’ videos and pictures on here:
http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=566

And while there were no points gained for this fantastic result at Wembley, it was the end of games in the Football League, so that all automatic promotion and relegation places were finally decided . . . along with final league positions for the North East teams (except Sunderland and Newcastle).

These results have left Humphrey Bogart on top of the world (yeah, I know that was Cagney) with 163 points, but only ten ahead of a clutch of managers who are breathing down his neck – Steve Calvert is now joined by on a late charge by Troy Lacend on 153. Ethan Vallis is showing the rest of the family in no uncertain terms who is top dog in their household (sorry Chris) on 152. Lorraine Arscott is on 151 with Paul Robinson on 150 heading the rest who are all within a shout of the title.

And David Sheppey is showing no signs of giving up the Wooden Spoon place any time soon on 64 points, now seven adrift of Gary Robertson, Toby Corum and Burt Lancaster on 71.

Pete

And in the end...there's Wembley to look forward to!!!

2011-05-01T17:09:00.000+01:00

Well, a good finish to the league season by Darlo – with a 2-0 home win against Rushden & Diamonds and finishing in 7th place in the Blue Square Premiership. And if you have the chance, take a look at the second goal by Campbell – a terrific 25-yard belter. But, of course, it’s still not the end of the season as Darlo go to . . . WEM-BER-LEEEEEEEEEEE!!! Have I mentioned that before?

And it’s been a belter of a weekend for points in the Come On Darlo Prediction League as all the Darlo questions are finally answered, along with several positions in the promotion and relegation battles – plus York finished 8th in the Blue Square Premiership.

In the Championship, QPR finally claimed top spot whilst Swindon were relegated from Division 1 in 24th place. Similar situation for Stockport in Division 2 who ended in 24th place and now join Darlington next season. Also, AFC Wimbledon finished in second place in the Blue Square Premiership.

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And there have been major changes at the top of the league – apart from one – Humphrey Bogart remains as league leader with a commanding points total of 153. Chris Walton is shooting for the top in second place on 142 with Steve Calvert just behind on 141. Paul Robinson has given himself an excellent chance of honours on 139 with Lorraine Arscott. Will Caxton’s not out of it on 138.

Top scorers for the 2-0 win against Rushden are: Andrew Hodgson, Carl Hankin, Chris MacKenzie 2, Chris Walton 2, Christine Darvill, David Alderson, Diana Willsher, Don Chesney, Don Juan, Garry Mann, Graham Wakeling, Kevin Kidger, Laura Drew 4, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Micheal Spencer, Mike Wells, Paul Robinson, Paul White, Peter Morris, Randolph Scott, Rudy Dunk, Scott Morland, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Mann, Steven Metcalfe, Terry Simpson, Tim Hewitson.

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And things are just as tight at the foot of the table – David Sheppey is still in spoon place on 57, but is only four points behind Burt Lancaster who is also four points behind Toby Corum third XI on 65. And there are still plenty of managers above these within easy reach.

Pete

Results keep rolling in...

2011-04-26T09:46:00.000+01:00

Well, in this prediction league I’ve talked enough about managers with their second and third XIs, but little did I imagine that I would have a round trip of 260 miles to watch Darlington’s second XI play against Southport. But as we entered the ground we were met with the sight of Darlo first teamers sat in the main stand . . . this could be embarrassing!!! As it turned out, the game ended 1-1 after Southport took the lead from a wonder free kick . . . with the equaliser coming from Verma.

There was a (slim) chance of reaching the play-offs if we’d won and other results had gone our way, but Fleetwood’s victory made this irrelevant. Manager Mark Cooper seems to have gone for safety first for our trip to Wem-ber-leeeeeeee . . . though rumours coming from the camp seem to suggest that Hatch will be asked to do a job in the national stadium.

Quite a few managers in the Come On Darlo Prediction League did a job with this 1-1 scoreline. And it’s Humphrey Bogart who is now table-topping with his latest max score – his 11th of the season which is just under one correct prediction in every four games – with 130 points, leaving Lorraine Arscott and Steve Calvert’s first and third XIs eating his dust.

Edward Cundick’s eight-pointer has propelled him into the fray in joint fourth on 124 points, whilst my favourite team “Hartlepool Nil” (managed by Ray Brennan) has moved into sixth place on 120. Steve Mann took up the challenge from Garry of “I’ll beat you even if I don’t score any more points” - Steve getting his max score and moving to 56th equal on 93 points.

All those others basking in glory are: Alf Hutchinson, Alistair Cripps, Andrew Ashmore, Avril Dent, Beth Taylor, Billy Cass, Brian Main, Callum Vallis, Chris MacKenzie 2, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, David Rice-Oxley, David Taylor, David Welton, Elaine Battision, Gary Woods, Ian Bonsall, James Longstreet, Jeff Maughan, Jilted John, John Sainsbury, Keith Appleton, Kevin Kidger, Lemsip Opek, Mark Lear, Mathew Vaughan, Micheal Spencer, Neil Danby, Patrick Hernandez, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 1, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin 2, Sam Taylor, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Duffy 1, Tim Hewitson, Troy Lacend, Vicky Richardson, Walter Lucas, Will Caxton

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And as for the foot of the table, all I can say is . . . “It’s only my second XI” and there’s still Burt Lancaster and David Sheppey below me!!! :) :) :)

Mind, Mark Lear’s “£10 Please Ellis” is now looking a good ‘un as his eight-pointer took him above Will Ellis, now in 187th and 198th, respectively.

Click here to view the latest Prediction League Table

Last game of the league season coming up this Saturday against Rushden – when we’ll also have a few more positions confirmed in the Football League.

Pete

Impressive form bodes well!!!

2011-04-24T20:28:00.000+01:00

Impressive form against the top sides in the Blue Square Premiership continues, as Darlo put a dent into York City’s hopes of a promotion play-off place . . . winning 2-1 at The Arena. Goals were courtesy of a Tommy Wright header and an Ian Miller volley from the edge of the area.

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Impressive form continues from our new league leader Lorraine Arscott, moving to top spot by a single point on 126 from long-time front-runner Steve Calvert. Humphrey Bogart still in third on 122. Paul Robinson has made big headway with his eight-pointer and is now in fourth on 119, whilst Steve Calvert’s third XI, Edward Cundick and Ethan Vallis are grouping close by on 116.

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And it was a good day for quite a few managers: Alex Wilson, Ashley Verney, Billy Cass, Chris MacKenzie 1, Colin Wakefield, David Alderson, David Sheppey 3, Dean Martin, Edward Cundick, Gary Elliott, Gary Robertson, Gavin Shillingford, Graham Wakeling, James Houghton, Jenny Maughan, John Berry 1, John Berry 2, Lee Dyas, Luke Hewitson, Malcolm Cundick 1, Malcolm Cundick 2 Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Lear, Mark O'Neill, Martyn Cripps 1, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter White, Richard Tilly, Stephen Bennett, Stephen Gawthrop, Steven Metcalfe, Tim Hewitson, Tony Waters, Wayne King, Will Caslon

Click here for Latest Come on Darlo Prediction League Table

And if things are tight at the top of the league table, then things at the bottom are becoming a little clearer – David Sheppey and Burt Lancaster are now being cast adrift with David on 41 and Burt on 45. Michael Spencer is five points clear on 50.

Pete

Oh, what might have been!!!

2011-04-20T08:35:00.000+01:00

Oh, what might have been!!!

Oh, what might have been!!! Darlo achieve a fantastic 2-1 win away at high-flying Kidderminster Harriers with goals from Chandler and Moore, ending their unbeaten run of 17 squillion games. If only we’d turned those draws into wins, if only we hadn’t conceded all those late and injury time goals, if only . . .

And if only someone would take this prediction league by the scruff of the neck, but it now looks like it’s going down to the wire. It’s now becalmed at the top of the Come on Darlo Prediction League – Steve Calvert still on top with 125, but Lorraine Arscott on 123 and Humphrey Bogart on 119 now have the weather gauge on him (just been watching Master and Commander).

And it’s left the rest of the pack below them jockeying for position . . . probably anyone in the top 50 has a realistic chance of a top three finish. At this rate it could be one of the lowest points required for top spot.

This week’s clever clogs with their eight points (dammit) are: Chris MacKenzie 1, Dan Duryea, Graham Wakeling, Hannah Taylor, John Berry 2, Kevin Leatherbarrow, Lance Ireland, Laura Drew 1, Liam Pape, Mark O'Neill, Martyn Cripps 1, Russell Jones 2, Ruth Woods, Toby Corum 2.

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And it can’t be avoided any longer – the Ashmore second XI is now officially challenging for wooden spoon glory, lying in 199th place with James McNaughton on 52 points. The only saving grace(s) are Michael Spencer on 50, Burt Lancaster and Mark Lear on 45, with David Sheppey on 41 below this mark.

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It’s getting closer . . . Wem-ber-leeeeeeeeeee!!!!

Pete

Trust AGM - 8th June 2011

2011-04-17T18:54:00.000+01:00

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Coachman Hotel, 135 Victoria Road, Darlington DL1 5JJ
Wednesday 8th June 2011 at 7.30pm

AGENDA

1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
3. Chairman’s Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Membership Secretary’s Report
6. Treasurer’s Report
7. Presentation of 2010 Accounts
8. Appointment of Auditors
9. Result of Election for Board Members
10. Any Other Business as notified to the Secretary 14 days prior to the Annual General Meeting

Any Member wishing to propose items for the Agenda must notify the
Secretary in writing with the Agenda item to be added to be received on or before
The 23rd May 2011 at the following address:

Hon Secretary
Darlington Supporters’ Trust
P O Box 178
Northallerton DL7 7AG
Tel: 0844 414 2062

Members are also reminded that Nominations for the Board must be
Received in writing by the Hon Secretary on or before the 23rd May 2011.

NB Nomination Forms may be downloaded from the Trust web site (click here to download the nomination forms and calling notice) or by contacting the Hon Secretary at the above address.

No Chance - There were Two of 'em - Hayes & Yeading

2011-04-17T18:48:00.000+01:00

It’s a league double . . . for Hayes & Yeading!!! Wow, never thought I’d be saying that ever!!! This 3-2 away defeat . . . it could have been much worse for a second-half fight-back (of sorts) . . . really does have The Quakers concentrating on Wembley.

But it’s this 3-2 away defeat which has confounded all our managers, bar one . . . it’s that Lance Ireland geeza again. Not only that, but he’s pulled away from the foot of the table as well. And not too many other managers thinking of a home win here either.

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Brighton were confirmed as Division 1 champions, after their promotion was achieved earlier in the week . . . so it’s congratulations to them. But again, only one manager predicted this . . . Howling Wolf . . . and a couple more for actual promotion.

Check out the latest Prediction League Table here

So, in reality, not many points flying around at all. But this prediction league is so tight that any number of managers could win it once all points have been accounted for.

Pete

Histon beaten, but is Burn Fulham bound?

2011-04-14T08:30:00.001+01:00

Well, we just about managed to take care of already-relegated Histon, scoreline 1-0 with the only goal coming from John Campbell. Several regular first-teamers were rested, but it’s the continuing absence of young centreback Dan Burn which continues to generate interest as stories abound of his having signed a contract with Premier League Fulham.

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No such rest for our “wicked” managers, who continue their quest of being this season’s Crawley or trying to avoid the Histon tag. League leader Steve Calvert is going through a relatively quiet period, still on 125 points and now closed down by this season’s mega-surprise package Lorraine Arscott in second on 120. Another surprise package, Humphrey Bogart, continues his up-down season but occupies third place with Steve Calvert’s third XI on 116 points.

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Some of the eight-pointers from the Histon game are – Edward Cundick in 12th place on 105 points, still well within striking distance; Mark Stephenson’s famed footballing knowledge has brought him within spitting distance of the top (he can spit a LONG way) on 101 points. Mark Kirk and Martin Cass seemed joined at the hip, both on 108 now in ninth place; and Stephen Atkinson is not doing “three” bad either on 106 points. Raymond Percival is reaching for the stars (stretch those arms a bit more Ray) in 60th place with 85 points and Kevin Kidger is not far behind on 81.

All those other eight-point clever-clogs are: Colin Wakefield, Dan Taylor, Darren Darvill, David Taylor, Diana Willsher, Graham Wakeling, James Longstreet, James McNaughton, Kevin Kidger, Kevin Leatherbarrow, Laura Drew 2, Malcolm Cundick 3, Martyn Walton, Mathew Vaughan, Matthew Ashmore, Peter Ashmore 1, Richard Widmark, Scott Morland, Steve Austin, Steve Mann, Tony Waters, Troy Lacend.

David Sheppey continues his Histon-like fixation with 204th place, but there are 30-plus managers above who shouldn’t be laughing just yet. There is a huge number of points still to be decided . . . the promotion and relegation places are just beginning to be decided plus all the Darlo questions have yet to be finalised. There will be a veritable flood of points in the next few weeks.

Pete

What might have been......

2011-04-10T10:00:00.000+01:00

First half goals from Liam Hatch (2) and John Campbell all but ended this as a contest before the break, in spite of a solitary reply by Bath later in the game. And you only have to look at York’s position in the league to see what might have been . . . still well in contention for the play-offs. But we have WEM-BER-LEEEEEE to look forward to, though Dan Burn’s absence from today’s line-up was strange . . . “sore knee” was the official explanation, medical at Fulham was another.

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And on the day we had our first confirmed promotion place – Crawley are crowned Blue Square Premier champions – Ethan Vallis puts in a late run for the Come on Darlo Prediction League with top points for both the Crawley promotion and today’s scoreline. Ethan has shot up to fifth place on 110. Steve Calvert’s third XI has moved to . . . third on 113, with his latest max score and it’s only Gary Mann on 114 in second place which prevents a Calvert 1-2. Steve still has a commanding lead with 125 points. Lorraine Arscott still right in there in fourth with 112.

Tim Hewitson was another to amass 13 points from the correct score / Crawley prediction – and now has 96 points in 23rd place.

Eight-point eggheads are: Carol MacKenzie, David Sheppey 3, Frank Mann, Graham Wakeling, John Sainsbury, Josh Slack, Lucy Grainge, Malcolm Cundick 1, Malcolm Cundick 2, Mike Cleasby, Raymond Percival, Rhonda Fleming, Robert Mitchum, Stephen Dickson, Sue Oldham, Toby Corum 1

And those who predicted Crawley as Blue Square champions are: Abigail Robinson, Brian Main, Burt Lancaster, Chris MacKenzie 1, Chris MacKenzie 2, Chris Walton 1, James Houghton, John Berry 2, Paul Davis, Toby Corum 2

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David Sheppey and James McNaughton continue to dominate the wooden spoon position, on 35 and 38 points, respectively. And Mark “£10 Please Ellis” Lear needs to buck up his ideas is he’s to collect as he’s on 42 points and ten points adrift of his tenner.

Pete

Ok, that should just about do it

2011-04-04T08:09:00.000+01:00

Ok, that should just about do it . . . no more play-off talk from me . . . let’s just concentrate on Wem-ber-leeeeeeeee!!! At least that’s how I believe we’re supposed to think (you all got your tickets yet?). But a 1-0 away defeat to the runaway league leaders is no disgrace for The Quakers.

And if I can’t win this seventh Come On Darlo Prediction League . . . and let’s face it, my past record should demonstrate this is unlikely to happen any time soon . . . then I would love it (love it) if Raymond Brennan could be our champion. No, we’re not going half-ies (though I’m open to offers Ray) . . . it’s just for that team name alone – Hartlepool Nil. Come On Darlo (and Ray). His latest eight-pointer sees him scoot up to joint sixth place with Andrew Hodgson and Richard Collin . . . all now hitting the 100-point mark.

Check out the latest Prediction League Table Here

Steve Calvert, top contender and present league leader, has achieved another milestone by becoming the first manager to achieve ten correct score predictions in league games, which has also given him a clear lead at the top with 119 points from Lorraine Arscott in second with 112, whilst Garry Mann’s max-score sees him back in medal contention in third with 111.

Humphrey Bogart’s age is now showing and he’s dropped back to fourth place, with Steve Calvert’s third XI just six points back on 102. The Humph’s Hollywood partner Burt Lancaster is losing his own version of Gunfight at the OK Corral – now adrift at the foot of the table by six points, on 29. David Sheppey has 35, James McNaughton on 38 and Mark Lear on 39 . . . but plenty more within spitting distance. (if you’re Wayne Rooney).

A canny few top scorers this weekend: Abigail Robinson, Alex Wilson, Andrew Ashmore, Andrew Hodgson, Dame Dickson, Dean Martin, Eric Gill, Ethan Vallis, Gary Parle, Harry Pape, Jane Lucas, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Lance Ireland, Lee Dyas, Lemsip Opek, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Hathaway, Mark Kirk, Martyn Maidstone, Neil Raper, Paul Davis, Richard Desmond, Stephen Mills, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Curtis

Pete

Nooooooo!!!!! I mean Yesssssssssss!!! No, make that Nooooooo!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-30T08:03:00.000+01:00

Nooooo, I will not believe that the play-offs are back on again. Yesssss, we’ve won away at Grimsby by our usual 1-0 scoreline. Nooooo, I can’t make my mind up again which!!! The Quakers are up to eighth place, but are a full ten points behind Kidderminster with only two games in hand – A Bridge Too Far?

And there are still many bridges to be crossed by many managers in the race for top spot, but who can pace themselves to be there at the end? Top eight managed a measly three points between them, with Garry Mann leapfrogging Steve Calvert’s third XI and into fourth place.

Fairly surprising, but there were only 13 correct score predictions with Paul (Flipper) Hodgson benefiting most – in the middle of a Darlo-esque style rise up the table and now has 94 points in ninth place. He’s just one point behind two other high-flyers in Stephen Atkinson and Chris Walton . . . though Chris hasn’t even had the decency to get his first XI up there!!!

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And those other managers feeling smug are: Chris MacKenzie 1, Darren Darvill, David Sheppey 1, Ethan Vallis, Gary Robertson, Graham Wakeling, James Houghton, Jean Johnson, Margaret White, Raymond Brennan, Richard Soul, Terry Simpson.

Check out the latest Prediction League Table here

Toby Corum’s third XI has given itself a little breathing space at the “wrong” end of the table, but it’s still the dynamic duo of Burt Lancaster and Lance Ireland, twins inseparable at birth, who are hogging the limelight.

Pete

It's happened again!!!!

2011-03-27T12:16:00.001+01:00

It’s happened again!!! Another goal in the last few minutes, this time to a team languishing near the bottom of the Blue Square Premier League. So the 1-0 home defeat to Altrincham should effectively put to an end any lingering hopes of reaching the play-offs . . . especially after fifth-placed Kidderminster don’t look like giving up that place any time soon. Concentrate on Wembley, eh!!!

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Steve Calvert is concentrating on holding that top spot with his 111 points, though Lorraine Arscott has closed the gap to two in second place. Meanwhile, Humphrey Bogart has come alive again and leapt to third place with his max score and is now on 105. Steve Calvert’s third team is fourth with 102 points – in contention for making it a 1-2 at the end of the season.

Not many correct scores and not many correct results either – we’re obviously all expecting to beat Altrincham with no problems whatsoever. John Gutenberg was next best in the max score pecking order, 43rd place with 80 points and John Baskerville with 77 points in 52nd. Jonny Simpson is climbing that league table and is in 62nd place on 75 points. But it’s bottom half for our other three – Jane Lucas now in 107th place, with Edward Stone and Nads Charity in 135th.

Check out the latest prediction league table here

Burt Lancaster and Lance Ireland (they look so alike) are vying for that bottom spot, with Toby Corum trying to pry that spoon off them (again). But James Naughton, Gary Robertson and David Sheppey are pushing them hard.

Pete

WEM – BER – LEY!!! WEM – BER – LEY!!!

2011-03-23T07:58:00.000Z

It’s been a nail-biting and exciting week in which The Quakers have played a two-leg FA Trophy semi-final against near neighbours Gateshead. The first game, at home, couldn’t have started more badly . . . with Darlo finding themselves 2-0 down at half time and staring down the barrel of the exit gun. But a remarkable second half fight-back led by Liam Hatch’s two goals saw the lads take a slender 3-2 lead into the away game. And this proved a tense affair with few clear-cut chances, the best falling to Dan Burn after Liam Hatch’s header came off the crossbar only for Burn to poke the ball wide of an open goal. The 0-0 final scoreline was met with a huge cheer from the 2,500-strong Darlo fans. And so it’s on to Wembley on May 7 to face Mansfield in the final.

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But it was back down to earth with a bump for Tuesday’s home league game against lowly Kettering – The Quakers could only manage a 1-1 draw after both goals were scored in the first seven minutes. They still have an outside chance of making the play-offs and another chance to visit Wembley in the play-off final.

So, not only league points up for grabs but also we now know how many cup games Darlington will play this season – a magnificent TEN which includes the upcoming FA Trophy final. And there was a magnificent seven . . . I mean . . . six managers who predicted this amazing total. They were - Avril Dent, David Sheppey 2, Graham Wakeling, James Cagney, Martyn Walton, Richard Collin 1. Well done to you all.

And the league points for managers just flowed after the 1-1 draw, with Steve Calvert’s first and third XI taking full advantage . . . moving smoothly into first and third places, respectively, and overtaking last week’s surprise leader Lorraine Arscott who drops to second. Garry Mann and Richard Collin are the only other managers to break the 100-point barrier in joint fourth place.

Max scorers are: Alf Hutchinson, Anthony Leigh, Callum Vallis, Chris Walton 1, Chris Walton 2, Dan Duryea, David Alderson, David Rice-Oxley, Diana Willsher, Edward Stone, James Houghton, John Gutenberg, Laura Drew 1, Laura Drew 4, Luke Hewitson, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Maidstone, Miss Ing Fanz, Neil Danby, Nick Groves, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Duffy 1, Steve Mann, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1, Will Caxton.

Check out the latest Prediction League standings

David Sheppey’s second XI has finally managed to extricate itself from bottom place, to be replaced by that film icon Burt Lancaster who is on 29 points. Toby Corum is flirting with wooden spoon heaven just two points ahead on 31. But it’s still all so tight at both ends of the table.

Pete

It’s beyond a joke of being beyond a joke ...

2011-03-09T08:57:00.000Z

. . . and it wasn’t funny before that, either.

The curse of the injury time equaliser away from home strikes again . . . after The Quakers were cruising the game at 2-0 up just before half time. Gateshead pulled one back from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to go and then ex-Hartlepool player Liddle squared things up deep into that injury time.

But what has left a bitter taste in the mouth for many Darlo fans will bring nothing but a sweet (or dry) taste of wine to the lips of our new league leader Lorraine Arscott who scores yet another eight-pointer. And not only that but the wine (couple of bottles should do it, vintage of course) is being provided by that man-about-town Lance in celebration of this meteoric rise up the table.

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Lorraine leads with 106 points with Steve Calverton 103 and Garry Mann on 100 – The Humph drops to fourth on 97 with Richard Collin on 95. Steve Calvert’s third XI is in there too on 94. Other eight-point-pilferers are Arthur Brennan and David Welton locked together on 88 points in 11th with Jenny Maughan just a point back on them. Edward Cundick is a further point behind on 86.

Raymond Brennan and Stephen Bennett are well in contention on 84 points in 25th, Elaine Battison in 32nd on 82, Alf Hutchinson in 33rd on 81, Mark Stephenson in 35th on 80 and Chicken George in 39th on 79 points. James Cagney isn’t that far adrift on 68th points in 80th, whilst Harry Pape in 118th on 61, David Ewin in 152nd on 55 and Ashley Verney in 160th on 52 points rounds up our injury time winners!!!

View the latest Prediction League Table here

Burt Lancaster is still getting the bird in 204th place with 26 points, David Sheppey one point ahead on 27 with Toby Corum’s third XI still hovering on 31 points.

Pete

Whooo!!!! Hoooo!!!!! (again)

2011-03-07T10:06:00.000Z

Darlo up to eighth place on 50 points and with games in hand on the four teams immediately above us. Am I getting carried away? Oh yes – and the team seems to be getting the belief they can go places . . . if we’d only had this squad at the start of the season. Liam Hatch’s second half goal claimed all three points against a Cambridge side content to defend for long periods.

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A whole bunch of managers got this one right - Abigail Robinson, Adrian Lynch, Andrew Hodgson, Chris MacKenzie 3, Chris Vallis, Chris Walton 1, Chris Walton 2, Colin Wakefield, Darren Darvill, Dean Martin, Don Juan, Donald Chesney, Gary Parle, Gary Woods, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jenny Maughan, Kevin Kidger, Kevin Leatherbarrow, Lee Dyas, Lewis Raper, Lynne Pape, Mark Kirk, Martyn Walton, Mike Cleasby, Nads Charity, Neil Raper, Paul Hodgson, Paul Robinson, Pete Knight, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin 1, Richard Soul, Scott Morland, Stephen Bennett, Stephen Mills, Steve Austin, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Mann, Susan Weston, Tony Waters

All our leading managers are still holding station at the top, but Mick Moriarty is there with Richard Collin and Andrew Hodgson in fifth place on 92 points. Paul Robinson’s eight-pointer has catapulted him into immediate contention in eighth on 89 points.

Latest Prediction League Table

And it’s a much better outlook for David Sheppey as he finally moves off the bottom, being replaced by Burt Lancaster (he’s not as good as he used to be). Toby Corum is just ahead of both. Then a clutch of managers on 32 points – James McNaughton, Gary Robertson and Diana Willsher – are also in dire straits.

Pete

Whooohooooo!!!!!

2011-03-02T09:27:00.000Z

Can we keep this form going? Can we make the play-offs? Can we get to the play-off final? Can we win it? Will we even have a club to support at the end of the season? So many questions and so much conflicting information. So let’s just enjoy a fantastic 4-0 win over promotion rivals Fleetwood Town, with goals from Miller, Bridge-Wilkinson (2) and M. Smith.

It was also good to see three Darlo youth players involved in tonight’s game – defender Dan Burn, midfielder McReady and forward M. Smith – well done to Craig Liddle and his staff for the fantastic work they’re doing in bringing the young players through . . . and what this prediction league is all about, raising funds to help.

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That 4-0 scoreline didn’t completely flumox all our managers – four having the correct scoreline, but it was Frank Mann who took most advantage moving up to 28th place on a very healthy 76 points. Kev Leatherbarrow in 119th with 57 points, Miss Ing Fanz in 156th with 50 points and Wayne King in 160th with 49 points are just glad to be moving in the right direction.

Over 75 per cent of all managers predicted a home win, so plenty of points going round – meaning our leaders (and LOSERS) stay pretty much the same. Garry Mann and Steve Calvert have 97 points and are limping towards that 100-point barrier with Lorraine Arscott confounding Lance (and his wine bottle) in third place.

By the same token, our losers are also in line-astern with each other. An interesting couple of team names down among the dead men are Mark Lear’s “£10 Please Ellis” and David Sheppey’s third team “Try and Catch Me Rigs”, in 193rd and 190th position, respectively. Did they speak too soon?

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Games are coming thick and fast now for Darlo – and most weeks there will be two games. It’s going to be an interesting run-in to the end of the season.

Pete

Come on Darlo - League Cup Final Update

2011-02-28T12:11:00.000Z

Darlo were on Cup duty again this weekend – seeing off a very defensively-minded Salisbury Town 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the FA Trophy. The semis will be a two-legged affair with the draw made on Monday . . . then the W word could rear its head.

But there were points up for grabs this weekend as the first of the major cup finals was played out – with Birmingham City beating their more illustrious opponents Arsenal, again 2-1. And there were quite a few managers who correctly predicted one of these teams either winning or losing. My hunch is that everyone in the list below had Arsenal as losers? Hands up who had Birmingham as winners? (not me).

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Those “lucky” five-pointers are: Andrew Hodgson, Callum Vallis, Chicken George, Dave Woods, Edward Cundick, Ethan Vallis, Hannah Taylor, Iain Cardwell, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Laura Drew 4, Lorraine Arscott, Lyndsey Steel, Lynne Pape, Matthew Ashmore, Mike Wells, Raymond Percival, Russell Jones 1, Stephen Dickson, Tony Waters, Trevor Gretton, Wayne Gibson, Will Caslon, Will Caxton.

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Lorraine Arscott is now heading a serious challenge for the Come on Darlo Prediction League top spot – now in third place on 92 points, just two behind Garry Mann and Steve Calvert. Could she confound all the Harborne warriors to take the ultimate prize?

It’s as-you-were at t’other end of the table.

Pete

Were YOU waiting for it to happen? I was!!!

2011-02-23T08:19:00.000Z

I was!!!

“A minimum of five extra minutes” at the end of the game . . . except I was expecting Darlo to score after 12 minutes of those “extra minutes” . . . just to even things up a little maybe. But no, someone announces full time instead. So another 1-1 draw, but this time against in-form Kidderminster Harriers.

Garry “Maverick” Mann is our new Top Gun in the crash and burn of the Come on Darlo Prediction League. His flight path has been upwards for the last couple of games, hitting the score results target dead centre . . . joined on 94 points by Steve Calvert with his first XI back-up crew. The Humph is firmly chocked on the runway with 91 points in third place, whilst Dame Dickson and Lorraine Arscott suffer from nose-bleeds in this heady atmosphere and stay on 87.

Jilted John and Jayne Hathaway have also found their target and now have 80 points each in 11th, followed closely by Lucy Grainge on 78, with David Rice-Oxley and Will Caxton well within strike distance. Last season’s “Ice Man” (and prediction league champion) Andrew Hodgson is playing the good wingman, waiting his chance on 77 points.

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Mark Kirk is next up on 75 points in 23rd spot, Alf Hutchinson’s eight-pointer has brought him up to 70 in 32nd place along with John Shuttleworth and John Sainsbury. Liam Pape is doing really well with his 69 points in joint 40th and Brian Main only a point behind him on 68 along with Randolph Scott (salutes) and Steve Calvert’s second XI. Paul Colman, winner of our recent spot prize, continues his good form and climbs the table to 61st on 65 points. Mike Cleasby, Martyn Cripps first XI and Paul Dickson round off those max-scoring managers who are presently in the right half of the table.

Climbing away from the carrier deck are Scott Morland, Steve Duffy first XI, Lynn Pape, Jane Lucas, Paul Davis, Ian Bonsall, Harry Pape, Steve Curtis, Walter Lucas and lastly, but not leastly, Diana Willsher who has now put ten points between herself and tail-end charlie spot which is still occupied by David Sheppey (the Mk 2 version, without the turbo-thrusters).

Check out the latest Prediction League Table here

Burt Lancaster is only four points ahead of 204th placed David with Lance Ireland and Josh Slack a further point in front of that.

Petea>

No! . . . No!! . . . Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-20T21:47:00.000Z

It’s the curse of the 95th minute equaliser again!!!

Come on all you stattos, calculate just how many points we’ve thrown away in “time added on to the time added on” or within five minutes of the end of a game. We’d be already promoted wouldn’t we? Seems like that anyway. Darlo were heading towards a third consecutive league win when ex-player Steve Guinan put the ball over the line to leave the game all square at 1-1 – of course, on the teleprinter we see the goal scored followed almost immediately by the final result. Anyone hear the expletives?

It’s had a big effect on the league (apart from our top two who can’t, at the moment, score for toffee) - Dame Dickson and Lorraine Arscott’s eight-pointers have brought them within four points of top spot. Lorraine will, no doubt, be having a quiet word with Lance . . . they’re both on 87 with Humphrey and Steve Calvert still out in front on 91. It’s taking a while for our “dear leaders” to limp over that 100-point mark.

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Garry Mann and Mick Moriarty also benefited, shooting to equal fifth on 86, with Christian Fox on 85 and Martin Cass on 83. Others managers who are the “jammiest” this weekend (not bitter about late goals, me) are: Adrian Lynch, Alistair Cripps, Anthony Leigh, Avril Dent, Dan Duryea, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 3, James Cagney, James Houghton, Jean and Dan, Laura Drew 3, Lee Dyas, Paul Colman, Paul Johnson 2, Richard Collin 2, Steve Duffy 2, Steve Mann, Tim Hewitson, Will Caxton.

And it was Paul Colman’s eight points which have brought him a £10 spot prize (on the way!!!) after finishing in 100th place after Game 30 of the league . . . congratulations!!! Paul’s name came out of the hat after nine managers finished on the same points.

Check out the latest Prediction League standings here

No such luck going David Sheppey’s way as his second team still languish at the base of the table on 22 points, with Diana Willsher and Burt Lancaster not faring much better

Pete

Was that a light at the end of the tunnel - or an oncoming train???

2011-02-16T17:45:00.000Z

Darlo’s great away win at Cambridge United – 1-0 – is secondary compared to the breaking news that the holding company which owns the football stadium and surrounding land has gone into receivership after a loan made to this company was called in. Details of what this will mean for the football club are patchy at present, but the Northern Echo is due to run a big story in tomorrow’s newspaper . . . hopefully, the future of the club will become clearer then.

A Sam Russell penalty save and a Gary Smith header gave The Quakers all three points in what was looking to be an exciting part of the season for the club, following their 6-1 demolition of Eastbourne on Saturday.

Those scoring eight points: Alistair Cripps, Callum Vallis, Chicken George, Darren Darvill, Don Juan, Ethan Vallis, Howling Wolf, Lemsip Opek, Lucy Grainge, Mike Cass, Miss Ing Fanz, Neil Danby, Paul Hodgson, Richard Desmond, Robert Mitchum, Russell Jones 1, Steve Calvert 3, Troy Lacend, Vicky Richardson

Top 11 managers didn’t manage a point between them so it’s allowed Steve Calvert’s third XI to join Mark Hathway on 76 points in 12th, while Paul Hodgson has motored up to 14th along with Lyndsey Steel, with Arthur Brennan and David Walton chasing them down in 16th on 74 points.

Check out the full prediction league tables here

David Sheppey’s second team has closed the gap at the bottom to two points, now on 22 and not far off Dan Duryea and Diane Willsher on 24. Toby Corum’s second XI is just ahead on 25 with Burt Lancaster a further one point.

I’d like to say “onwards and upwards” - but we’ll have to wait to see what tomorrow brings

Pete

Whooo Hooo . . . Whooo Hooo . . . Whooo Hooo!!!

2011-02-14T11:21:00.000Z

The Darlo Express is back on track, we’re out of the sidings and we’ve cleared away the wrong type of leaves.

A crushing 6-1 win over bottom club Eastbourne Borough brought a first-half hat-trick for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson . . . “give us an M, give us an A, give us an R . . . “ Ok, probably best forget that one . . . oh, and I wouldn’t bother getting your replica shirt printed with his name either, unless you’ve got the equivalent of the national debt in your bank account.

Of course, you’ve already realised that there were no correct predictions for that scoreline. There have been some predictions of that order for other games – but sadly missed out here. There were, of course, a billion managers (give or take a few) who correctly predicted the home win and about 38 who didn’t. No name and shame this time.

But the glut of 3-pointers has predictably led to a deja vu situation, with little movement top or bottom of the table. So, for the record:

Equal top are still “Humph” and Steve Calvert on 91 points, third is Christian Fox on 85 with Martin Cass on 83 and Stephen Atkinson on 81 right up there. Dame Dickson and Lorraine Arscott are slugging it out in sixth place on 79, with Garry Mann, Paul Robinson, Richard Collin and Mick Moriarty just behind on 78.

David Sheppey’s second XI are still in pole position . . . the bottom of the greasy pole . . . in 204th spot on 19, but the group ahead on 24 points are now bunching up – Dan Duryea, Diane Willsher and Josh Slack.

Check out the latest Prediction League Standings by Clicking Here

Can Darlo start the march up the league with all those games in hand . . . or will the fixture congestion plus the continuing cup run catch up with them?

Keep an eye out for our new fundraiser, the 49er, based on the national lottery. This will help us to continue our work with Football in the Community and Youth Development. Details coming shortly.

Pete

Owwwwww-ch!!!!!! That was painful!!!

2011-02-02T08:51:00.000Z

A 20-minute 4-0 drubbing at the end of the game brought The Quakers’ recent unbeaten run to an end against high-flying Luton Town. But is that the end of our play-off hopes? Well we’ve umpteen games in hand on some teams, but you’ve got to win those, of course.

And that scoreline prediction was as rare as rocking horse poop – with only Terry Simpson and Toby Corum’s third XI picking that one out with the proverbial pin. Terry moves into a very respectable 66th place on 58 points, whilst Toby’s eight points propels him away from the foot of the table.

But while there were only two correct scoreline predictions, every man / woman and their respective dogs just about managed three points for assuming a home win of some sort. Mind, might have been one or two using heart-ruling-their-heads syndrome when predicting the score.

It’s meant we now have joint leaders of Humphrey Bogart and Steve Calvert on 88 points, Christian Fox is third on 82 with Martin Cass in fourth on 80. Stephen Atkinson is leading the pack . . . and it really is hot on the tails of these leaders . . . on 78 points. Can’t be too long before that 100-point barrier is broken.

And with Toby moving from bottom spot, he is replaced by David Sheppey’s second XI on 19 points. And as at the top of the league, it’s anybody’s wooden spoon if only one manager would firmly refuse to score more points. Diana Willsher and Josh Slack are only two points ahead on 21, followed by many a manager within spitting distance. Perhaps leading AND spoon places will go right to the wire.

And on to another of our mini-leagues, which really is a contradiction – The Hayssen Sandiacre mini-league has 29 members, a total which might out-do completely some other local prediction competitions in their own right. And for the Hayssen lads and lasses, this is serious stuff – so it’s Mick Moriarty in joint 8th place on 75 points who has bragging rights at the moment . . . but is he looking ahead to winning the whole competition or looking over his shoulder at colleagues trying to steal his local thunder? Don’t take your eye off the ball Mick!!!

It seems Dave Welton on 68 points is closest challenger in 17th with Elaine Battison and Nick Groves handily placed in 29th on 65 points. Trevor Gretton is in sight of top spot on 64 points in 36th, Martin Raison has 62 points and Mark Kirk one behind with 61. John Shuttleworth is in 76th on 56 points, Carl Hankin and Patrick Hernandez both in 86th on 54 points, Jamie Molnar in 93rd on 53.

Half-way Joes are Kev Kidger and Sue Oldham on 51 points in 96th, Lee Dyas in 126th on 46. Heading towards the dregs are: John Mosby in 133rd on 45; Graham Wakeling in 148th on 42 with Anthony Leigh and Ashley Verney in 151st on 41; Mark O’Neill and Richard Tilley in 155th on 40, Ian Bonsall and Mick Spencer in 163rd on 38; Wayne King and Will Ellis in 178th on 35, Neil Danby in 184th on 33, Gary Robertson in 185th on 32.

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And down among the dead men are: Steve Curtis and Mark Lear on 31 and 30 points in 190th and 192nd, respectively. But it’s Josh Slack trying to achieve the double of Hayssen and overall Spoon Winner, who is 203rd with a paltry 21 points . . . over to you Josh!!!

Pete

Darlo lose ground in play off race

2011-01-26T08:45:00.000Z

Ah, just another game in the Blue Square Premier between two ex-league teams . . . and that is just a regular occurrence these days. And it was another mediocre day at the office as The Quakers lost ground on the play-off placed teams. Perhaps it is a Bridge Too Far this season.

Humphrey has returned to the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on 88 after scoring eight precious points, he heads Steve Calvert in second on 85 . . . and there appears to be a small gap opening up to third-placed Christian Fox on 79. Toby Corum is looking to confound everyone by challenging at both ends of the table . . . whilst “The Stiffs” are rock bottom on 14 points, the first XI now have 67 points in 15th place.

Arthur Brennan is improving all the time on 65 points in 17th with Raymond Brennan one point back on 64 in 23rd spot along with Neil Raper. My own “Shocking Defending!!!” is finally showing some form, moving well into the top half of the table (another way of saying, “Not in immediate contention”), Steve Calvert’s second XI has 54 points in 76th, Lewis Raper in 80th with 53 and Chicken George brings up the last of our max scorers on 43 points in 135th place.

And as already mentioned, the Toby Corum trophy-hogging machine is steadfastly holding on to 204th place, Josh Slack four points ahead on 18, with David Sheppey and Burt Lancaster pushing their luck just ahead of these.

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Have you noticed the great diversity of team names this season – probably the best quality set of names we’ve ever had. A long-time favourite is, of course, “Hartlepool Nil” - one I remember with great affection after the two play-off games. And it is anyone’s guess where some of the others have come from – fertile imaginations? “Gavin Worboys Ingrowing Toenail”, “Not a Lance Team” (don’t know what you mean), “Simon Davey Sings Lyin’ Eyes” (we just won’t forgive, will we), “Bluenosing the Vile” (don’t ask . . . I did and my head’s been hurting ever since) and “£10 Please Ellis” . . . is this a bet or a debt?

But my favourite is . . . “Penguins Stole My Socks” . . . for no other reason than it just tickles my (lack of?) sense of humour. Laura, you’ve one weird imagination!!!

Pete

Late Equaliser Denies Darlo

2011-01-24T14:13:00.000Z

FIFA have given Darlington special dispensation to play just the injury time of any game . . . as so many of ours have been decided in that time. Another late equaliser denied The Quakers all three points, after a Liam Hatch goal had given them a second-half lead. We’re still hanging on in there for a play-off place but it’s gonna take some good latter season form.

Mind, there was a large number of managers who were mightily glad of that 1-1 draw – read on!!!

Eight-point masters are: Alex Wilson, Beth Taylor, Brian Main, Callum Vallis, Chicken George, Chris MacKenzie 2, Chris Vallis, Christian Fox, Dan Taylor, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 2, David Taylor, David Welton, Don Juan, Elaine Battision, Ethan Vallis, Frank Mann, Gillian Percival, Hannah Taylor, James Cagney, Jayne Hathaway, Jenny Maughan, John Baskerville, John Shuttleworth, Jonny Simpson, Karen Sheen, Kevin Kidger, Laura Drew 1, Laura Drew 3, Lemsip Opek, Lyndsey Steel, Malcolm Cundick 2, Margaret White, Mark Stephenson, Mick Moriarty, Mike Wells, Patrick Hernandez, Paul Davis, Peter Ashmore 1, Raymond Percival, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin 2, Ruth Woods, Sam Taylor, Scott Morland, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Dickson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 2, Trevor Gretton, Troy Lacend, Will Caxton.

Some points have been added to managers’ totals which were omitted in error when the 15-game mark was reached – the full list who correctly predicted 19 points: Chicken George, Chris Walton 2, Dave Woods, Gavin Shillingford, Jayne Hathaway.

All the points have meant a change in the leaderboard – Steve Calvert’s first XI is top with 82 while The Humph slips back into second on 80 and Christian Fox roars back into contention on 79 in third. Richard Collin leads the chasing pack on 75 along with Stephen Atkinson.

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Toby Corum’s third XI now props up the table on 14 points, four points adrift of Josh Slack with David Sheppey’s second XI one point further ahead.

Pete

http://www.users.freenetname.co.uk/~dntaylor/predictionleague.htm

Missing Points

2011-01-14T09:14:00.000Z

Alright, alright, alright . . . this week’s “deliberate” mistake in the Come On Darlo Prediction League is . . . managers’ missing points from the 15th game of the season, the one where you had to predict how many points Darlo would have at that stage. Well, they had a grand total of 19 (I hope) and only two managers got top marks – Chicken George and Chris Walton’s second XI. Don’t forget, there is another £10 spot prize at 30 games for the manager sitting in 100th place.

Twelve managers got “lucky” (it’s only skill when I get the right scoreline, too!) with the 3-1 result over Histon – Edward Cundick putting himself into contention in 17th place on 61 points with Mick Moriarty and Rhonda Fleming doing the business just behind on 59 points in 21st place. Susan Weston is up there with the best on 58 points.

Laura Drew has quietly dragged her fourth string team into a prominent top of the table position on 56 points along with Wayne Gibson, while Frank Mann has moved up to 48th on 54 points. Jayne Hathaway and Trevor Gretton are on 53, Carl Hankin on 51, Malcolm Cundick second string on 50, while Stephen Mills is mightly pleased to move away from relegation hell on 37 points.

Humphrey (Bogart, not Lyttleton) continues at the top and stretches his lead to six points, now on 80. Martin Cass and Steve Calvert are slugging it out in second on 74 with Dame Dickson fourth on 73, Garry Mann and Richard Collin in fifth with 72 – all to play for.

David Sheppey hangs on to bottom spot with 11 points, with Toby Corum on 14 – a gap of four points to the rest of the field

Pete

Darlo Dancing on Ice

2011-01-11T09:55:00.000Z

In the latest round of Dancing On Ice, Darlo had the better skates and gave AFC Wimbledon some lessons in the latest moves. And it would have been no more than The Quakers deserved if they’d taken all three points after this entertaining 0-0 result, as several good chances were squandered in both halves.

And isn’t it strange that those managers who correctly predict these scores seem mainly to be in the top half of the league table already . . . well, I think it’s strange. Paul Robinson has benefited most, leaping to ninth place on 66 points and only a smidgen behind our leaders. Then comes Chris Walton, John Gutenberg and Mike Cass all on 56 points in 19th with Steve McGarvie one point further back in 25th spot.

Liam Pape is gaining ground on the leaders with his eight-pointer and has crashed through the 50-point barrier, now on 52 in 41st place. Luke Hewitson is on 45 points in 79th place, Neil Jordison has scraped into the top half of the table on 43 points in 96th, while James Houghton if the final max scorer on 40 points in 113th place.

It’s still Humph at the top but he appears to be in “The Big Sleep” at the moment remaining on 77 points, but the bigger they are “The Harder They Fall”. Dame Dickson, defending counsel for Michael Jackson’s Doctor and recently returned from the trial, has closed the gap in second place to only four points, while Martin Cass and Steve Calvert are sharing the spoils in third place on 71 points. Christian Fox has had that Mackem mini-slump and is now back in fifth on 69 points, along with Garry Mann and Richard Collin. Lorraine (I don’t know how I’m doing so well – and neither do we!!!) Arscott is in eighth place on 67.

Toby Corum’s third XI (roughly equivalent in skill and talent to the Australian cricket team) has finally broken its points-scoring spell and has moved three points clear of bottom spot – occupied solely by David Sheppey’s second XI. David still has 11 points, with Toby on 14. Those looking over their shoulders on 18 points are Adrian Lynch, Diana Willsher and Josh Slack . . . with Burt Lancaster and Gary Parle also getting stiff necks on 20 points.

Pete

Keep the points rolling in

2011-01-04T10:27:00.000Z

These games for Darlo are going to come thick and fast over the coming month or so . . . and with it will be all those lovely points piling up for our managers . . . well, some of them anyway!!!

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No problems for Dame Dickson mind, those eight points have promoted Michael Jackson’s Doctor to third place on 70 points . . . though no doubt the “good doctor” will claim it’s nothing to do with him!!! The Humph is still tops with 77 and Martin Cass is still enjoying life in the sun on 71 in second.

There weren’t too many other correct scores kicking about (seven in total) though many had the home win alright. Nick Groves moves to 13th place with 59 points; Paul Hodgson to 20th on 55 with Iain Cardwell just behind on 54. Arthur Brennan is kicking his way up that league on 51 points in 33rd spot and Steve McGarvie’s position of 62nd with 47 points isn’t shabby, either. Ashley Verney and Wayne King complete the eight-point-wonders, both have 29 points in 170th place.

And when you’re down the bottom it just seems impossible to get that points total rolling upwards, so David Sheppey and Toby Corum still have 11 but are four beind next-placed Adrian Lynch and Josh Slack on 15.

Pete

Breaking News - Man Lands on Moon, England Retain Ashes....

2011-01-03T11:22:00.000Z

. . . one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind . . .
. . . Elvis Presley is dead . . . Elvis has left the building . . .

LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!
. . . England have retained The Ashes, sweeping aside Australia in the fourth test . . .

OTHER NEWS!!!
. . . the Come On Darlo Prediction League returns from its mid-winter break . . .
. . . and all members of the Prediction League committee have attended three-day refresher courses to enable these results to be brought to you.

Meanwhile, Darlo lose 1-0 away at the seaside to Fleetwood Town – a side containing Quakers legend Sean Gregan (how could you?)
Will Caslon is the biggest beneficiary of the break, his eight points catapulting him to seventh place on 65 points and within a thick-and-thin of top spot. Martyn Walton is going swimmingly in 13th with his eight-pointer on 55 whilst Andrew Hodgson is only two points back on 53.

Michael Drew (Pompey) chimes in as a 49er, with Chris Mackenzie’s second XI and Randolph Scott (salutes) one point back on 48. Chris Walton is keeping his head above water on 47 in 42nd place. Mick Moriarty is on 45 in 52nd place, Abigail Robinson on 44 in 64th and Gerry Steel on 39 just in the top half of the table.

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Other max-scorers: Patrick Hernandez on 34 points in 126th place, Raymond Percival on 33 in 139th, Tony Taylor on 28 in 168th, Richard Widmark on 27 in 171st and Chicken George fluttering away from bottom spot into 199th place on 16 points.

It’s been as you were for the league’s top dogs – The Humph extends his lead at the top to five points, now on 74, from The Foxster in second place on 69, while Martin Cass and Steve Calvert are just one point further back on 68. Toby Corum and David Sheppey aren’t running with the pack . . . just back in the dog house on 11 points each; Josh Slack and Adrian Lynch just ahead on 12.

Pete

Darlington Under 18s to take on Arsenal - Help Sponsor the Trip

2010-11-22T18:06:00.000Z

Trust Vice President Craig Liddle has been having tremendous success with the Youth Team, who are now taking on the might of Arsenal. Liddle, aware of the importance of the game, is seeking sponsorship for the overnight stay for the trip.

The Trust has been a major backer of the Youth Team and, working with some of our friends from DAFTS, we are appealing to your generosity again to help us raise further cash to help with this trip. You can make a donation of any amount you feel fit by using the PayPal button below and we will pass it straight on to Craig to ensure that the Youth Team have every opportunity to prove their skills against their Premiership rivals:

HELP SPONSOR THE YOUTH TEAM VISIT TO ARSENAL

Alternatively, if you would rather send a cheque, please make it payable to:

'Darlington FC Youth Development'

and mail it to us at the following address:

Youth Team Appeal, Darlington Supporters Trust, P O Box 178, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 7AG

We guarantee that 100% of your donation will be passed straight on to Craig Liddle's Youth Team account

Thank you in advance for your contribution, no matter how small - every penny counts

Give us your watch, Fergie.....

2010-11-22T11:12:00.000Z

What we need is a watch which runs on Sir Alex Ferguson time . . . you know, the one which ends a match at 90 minutes when we’ve got some points in the bag; and the one which extends a match until we equalise or win (adding at least 15 minutes until we do so). Obviously, this watch was left out of the Darlo kit bag against Wrexham as the winner occurred four and a half minutes into three minutes of injury time.

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“The Humph” didn’t get The Hump over that late goal, he’s put on his Quaker Hat and moved to the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League with his latest eight-pointer, now on 71 points. Christian Fox managed to scrape three points together and moved back into second place on 69 while Martin Cass drops back to third on 68.

Wayne Gibson’s max score has given his rather aptly-named team “Next Goal The Winner” a boost into the top regions of the table – on 48 points in 27th place. Frank Mann is now on 43 in 61st with Ethan Vallis not far behind on 42. Gary Elliot now has 37 in 108th spot, Ruth Woods on 34 in 125th, Karen Sheen has 29 in 159th and Gary Parle has moved away from relegation hell on 20 points in 188th place.

Other top scorers: Alf Hutchinson, Andrew Hodgson, Brian Main, Chris MacKenzie 3, David Sheppey 2, Deadly Doug, Edward Cundick, Jean Johnson, Jilted John, Jonny Simpson, Keith Appleton, Kevin Kidger, Mark O'Neill, Mike Cleasby, Paul Hodgson, Paul Soderman, Peter White, Richard Tilly, Steve Duffy 1, Steve McGarvie, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1, Will Caslon.

Latest Prediction League Standings

But things have stirred at the fag end of the league, David Sheppey hitting a home run and moving off the bottom – now replaced by Chicken George, with Toby Corum in attendance.

Pete

Didn't we used to be the millionaire team in town???

2010-11-18T13:11:00.000Z

So the millionaires of Crawley came to town . . . and came a bit unstuck!!! And as we know only too well, having loads-of-money doesn’t necessarily guarantee success. And neither if your opponents are down to ten men for more than half of the game. It was a fighting 1-1 draw which so easily could have been a win if a good penalty shout had been given . . . mind, with our penalty record so far this season, who knows?

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It’s been backs to the wall for our leaders, too. Another blank game for the top three, but still hanging on to those positions. But Garry Mann and “Bogie” (someone said African Queen, but that’s his business!) have now closed to within five points of top spot on 63.

And it’s definitely been Ladies’ Day (or it would have been if t’interweb was working at the time) - with no fewer than seven correct score predictions – Lorraine Arscott is top mover on 61 points in seventh place (form is temporary, class is permanent?), Rhonda Fleming ain’t doing too badly either on 48 in 19th place, Susan Weston just behind on 47 and Laura Drew’s not far back on 45. Gillian Percival and Jane Lucas have climbed away from relegation hell on 29, whilst Jean Johnson has just managed to get her fingernails back on the precipice – now on 20 points in 184th place!

T’other superior types with eight points are: Chris MacKenzie 2, Dame Dickson, David Alderson, David Rice-Oxley, David Welton, Dean Martin, Ian Bonsall, James Longstreet, John Baskerville, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 1, Mick Moriarty, Neil Raper, Paul Hodgson, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 1, Raymond Percival, Russell Jones 2, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Mann, Steven Metcalfe, Will Caslon, Will Caxton.

And if the top three haven’t woken the scorer, neither have the bottom three . . . strangely becalmed on their respective number of points. Once you’re in that trough, it can be difficult to get out.

Our first mini-league have reported: Quaintly titled “Stop the Cass’s”, it’s strangely reminiscent of “Stop the Pigeon”- but just who is this mini-league’s Dick Dastardly . . . and who is Muttley? So far, Martin Cass is top pigeon – not just in the mini-league but overall, too. Dame Dickson (ma’am . . . doffs hat) is top Dastardly on 58 points with not-so-Dastardly Mark Stephenson on 49. Mike Cass is on 45 and Paul White on 44, while Billy Cass heads both Keith Appleton on 39 and Paul Dickson on 38. And these eight are all in the top half of the table . . . but the mini-league’s Muttleys are Martyn Maidstone on 36 and Stephen Dickson on 27 . . . no medals for you guys!!!

Check out the latest Prediction League standings
Want your mini-league mentioned? Get the name and list of members into me on this email address.

Pete

Wey Hey!!! We’re back . . . at last!!!

2010-11-16T20:49:00.000Z

Technical problems beyond our control have now been resolved . . . I would have emailed you all to let you know, but it was the tinterweb that was ever-so-slightly broken. But we’re back in business now.

And so it seems are Darlo, who have followed up good wins with this 1-0 home victory over Tamworth . . . not pretty but the looping header brought in all three points.

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And as you’d expect from a 1-0 home win, every man, woman and their dog cashed in. But it was Martin Cass who benefited most, claiming top spot in the Come On Darlo Prediction League. Martin’s the man at the moment on 68 points with his latest maximum score and knocking past leader Christian Fox from his perch (lair?). The Foxster is on 66 points along with Richard Collin. Steve Calvert is still hanging in there on 62. These four have a seven-point gap between them and the pack – with Garry Mann leading the way.

Those other 8-pointer clever clogs are: Abigail Robinson, Adrian Pape, Alf Hutchinson, Burt Lancaster, Callum Vallis, Carl Hankin, Chris Walton 1, Chris Walton 2, Dame Dickson, Darren Darvill, David Welton, Elaine Battison, Gerry Steel, Graham Wakeling, James Longstreet, James McNaughton, Jonny Simpson, Kevin Leatherbarrow, Lorraine Arscott, Lucy Grainge, Martyn Walton, Matthew Ashmore, Michael Drew, Peter Morris, Raymond Brennan, Raymond Percival, Richard Collin 1, Richard Desmond, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Bennett, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Austin, Steven Metcalfe, Trevor Gretton, Troy Lacend, Vicky Richardson, Will Caslon.

Click here for the latest Prediction League Table

David Sheppey continues his tail-end charlie role in 204th place (it doesn’t sound any better than “last” really, does it?). Chicken George and Toby Corum’s third XI wouldn’t take much encouragement to fall back to replace him.

Pete

PS – Crawley league table to follow shortly.

Wow - Dons Rubbished by Darlo

2010-10-31T13:36:00.000Z

Well, where did that result come from? A fantastic 2-0 away win at high-flying league leaders AFC Wimbledon, who have been unbeatable in recent games. And by all accounts, a well deserved win with goals from Senior and Bridge-Wilkinson. And this follows on from last week’s FA Cup qualifying victory over Mossley where the opposition had three players sent off and darlington ending up 6-2 winners. This topsy-turvy season goes on and on.

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And we had five managers who plucked this scoreline from the hat – Iain Cardwell was the biggest winner as he moved up to 40 points in 30th place. Keith Appleton and Lewis Raper aren’t far behind on 36 points. Graham Wakeling is getting into the realms of averageness on 28 points and not too far from the table’s top half, whilst Christine Darvill has moved away from relegation hell and sits on 25 points.

For all other managers it was a quiet weekend – Christian Fox held on to top spot on 63 points despite not scoring, but Martin Cass has closed the gap to only three with his correct result prediction. Steve Calvert and Richard Collin are still there on 59 and 58, respectively, with Garry Mann and Mark Hathaway in league with Humphrey Bogart on 52 points each. Jilted John and Paul Robinson are leading the chasing pack on 49 points.

David Sheppey continues his role as anchor man (which is a polite way of saying Rock Bottom Charlie) on three points, with Chicken George next up on eight. There is a clutch (chicken joke) of managers one point further ahead on nine – Adrian Lynch, Burt Lancaster, Jean Johnson, Josh Slack and Raymond Percival.

Click Here to View the Full Prediction League positions after we Darlo defeat the League Leaders

Onwards and upwards?

Pete

And the rollercoaster goes on....

2010-10-18T10:02:00.000+01:00

And so the Darlo rollercoaster goes on . . . how many times this season has injury time played an important part in a game? Tommy Wright salvaging a point deep into stoppage time spared The Quakers blushes of a fourth straight defeat. Has the line-up for this game signalled the start of new team tactics?

And while that late late goal deprived many a manager of eight points in the Come On Darlo Prediction League, it allowed another quarter of the total to gain maximum points.

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And whilst Christian Fox didn’t miss out totally at the top of the league – now on 63 - it’s allowed others to close up that bit more. Steve Calvert is on 59 in second place and Richard Collin on 58 in third, with Martin Cass now in fourth on 57. Garry Mann’s latest max score sees him leading the chasing pack in fifth on 52 points along with Mark Hathaway and Bogie.

Jilted John and Paul Robinson are up to eighth with their eight-pointers, now on 49.

The rest of the eight-pointers are: Adrian Pape, Chris MacKenzie 1, Chris Walton 1, Dame Dickson, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 1, Don Juan, Donald Chesney, Frank Mann, Iain Cardwell, Jamie Molnar, Jayne Hathaway, Jenny Maughan, Keith Appleton, Kevin Kidger, Kevin Leatherbarrow, Laura Drew 2, Laura Drew 3, Laura Drew 4, Lee Dyas, Liam Pape, Lorraine Arscott, Malcolm Cundick 2, Mark Stephenson, Martyn Cripps 2, Martyn Maidstone, Martyn Walton, Michael Drew, Paul Hodgson, Paul Soderman, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Collin 2, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Calvert 2, Steve Duffy 1, Steven Metcalfe, Toby Corum 2, Trevor Gretton, Will Caslon, Will Caxton, Will Ellis.

And after last week’s achievement of all managers FINALLY having at least three points, there’s only David Sheppey’s second XI remaining on that number in 204th place. Jean Johnson, Josh Slack and Raymond Percival are on double that in 201st place. Chicken George has that solitary max score in 200th spot with Adrian Lynch, Burt Lancaster and Gary Parle not far ahead on 9 points.

Click Here to view the Latest Prediction League Table

Pete

It's not Fair - There Were Two of Them - Hayes AND Yeading

2010-10-10T15:35:00.000+01:00

All I can say is that it’s a good job that both Hayes AND Yeading turned up . . . or we might have given them a game. The season swings from promising to crisis in the short space of three games – with rumours of backroom clashes and resignations. Will Darlo be heading for their ???th manager in the past two years (please fill in your own number here).

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On the pitch, Paul Terry seems to have suffered a serious injury and is doubtful for the rest of the season – one of the few players who has shown any consistency. Heated exchanges between players / fans / management have only added to the continuing downward spiral of this beloved football club – now much closer to a relegation spot than promotion.

But on the bright side of life, there were six managers who actually believed Hayes (and Yeading) would win 1-0 at the Arena. It’s Chicken George who has finally got a maximum score into his basket and FINALLY moves off the bottom of the league and FINALLY scores a point. All managers have FINALLY troubled the scorer.

John Gutenberg is moving on up to 25th place with 39 points with Avril Dent on 3 points back in 38th spot. Those old favourites Randolph Scott and Robert Mitchum are still going strong on 31 in 65th place, whilst Toby Corum’s second team completes the max scorers in 106th place on 27.

Top spots have been unaffected by this weekend’s score whilst David Sheppey and Raymond Percival now contest the spoon.

Check out the Preeiction League Standings by following the link below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Predicction League Latest Positions

And, finally, more good cheer for Luke Hewitson – he is our £10 spot prize winner – finishing 100th after our 15th league game. Luke’s name was drawn out of the hat from several other managers with the same scoring record. Prize is on the way to you Luke!!! Further spot prize after 30 games – new manager of Darlo FC? Only kidding, wouldn’t inflict that on anyone, but there will be a spot prize.

Pete

Jumpers for (mid table) Goalposts - disaster at Rushden

2010-10-06T08:31:00.000+01:00

COME ON DARLO Prediction League for 2010-11

I had already taken off my old “Champions” hat and put it back in the drawer; those trusty “Play-Off” gloves were prised from my fingers and flung in some dark recess; but what I wasn’t expecting to do was to retrieve that well-worn thread-bare cardigan with “Mid-Table Obscurity . . . and Proud of it” emblazened across the shoulders. It’s a cardigan which has been in regular use over the years and fits any size and shape regardless of time of life. And so our first away defeat . . . 2-1 to Rushden . . . sees The Quakers in that familiar pack position . . . poised to challenge for a play-off spot?

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Christian Fox, on the other hand, is dusting off his rendition of “We Are The Champions” as we speak (he will be insufferable!) as his sixth maximum score from 14 games sees him head the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 60 points. Richard Collin is relegated to second spot on 56 and Steve Calvert is in third on 51, with Martin Cass in fourth on 49.

And there’s a fair smattering of maximum scores to recount. A selection – Nick Groves and Raymond Brennan poised to mount a serious challenge in 11th place on 42 points; Pete Knight not far behind on 39 with Gavin Shillingford there or thereabouts on 33 in 54th place. Gary Elliot and Rudy Dunk are joined at the hip on 26 points whilst Richard Tilly has escaped (for the time being) from the depths and is now on 20 points in 153rd spot.

The rest of the max-pointers are: Adrian Pape, Alf Hutchinson, Carl Hankin, Chris MacKenzie 2, David Sheppey 1, Deadly Doug, Edward Cundick, Jilted John, John Berry 3, John Shuttleworth, Liam Pape, Lorraine Arscott, Lynne Pape, Malcolm Cundick 1, Mark Hathaway, Mark O'Neill, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Maidstone, Mike Cleasby, Miss Ing Fanz, Paul Hodgson, Paul Johnson 1, Paul Johnson 2, Peter White, Richard Soul, Will Caslon

And then there was one . . . as Chicken George’s Eggless (and pointless) Wanderers squats on that non-existent egg (point) and refuses to budge. Is he hatching a cunning plan?

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST PREDICTION LEAGUE TABLES

Pete

Wrexham's Smash & Grab

2010-10-03T14:26:00.000+01:00

Aaaaaaarrrrrrgh!!! It was a smash and grab raid from across the border in Welsh Wales, with Wrexham hardly troubling the Darlo keeper . . . apart from that last gasp header near the end of normal time to leave Darlo as 1-0 losers. Mind, it wasn’t much better at the other end as new boy Powell squandered a golden chance in the first half and several other chances went begging.

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New kid on the block Christian Fox has made the most of that scoreline, his eight-pointer moving him into second place on 52 points and only 3 behind leader Richard Collin. Steve Calvert still there in third place on 51. Long-serving manager Garry Mann is showing real form with his team in fourth on 44 points, joining Steve Calvert’s third XI.

The Vallis family had a great weekend with that 0-1 scoreline . . . well, that is if you discount Chris!!! Both Ethan and Callum achieved eight-pointers, with Ethan now in 45th place on 31 points and Callum not far behind on 26 points in 87th place. Neil Jordison’s also on 26 points in 87th with his max score.

“You would do it for Randolph Scott” (see Blazing Saddles) had moved up to 23 point in 111th place and Anthony Leigh has pulled away from the relegation positions on 20 points in 138th spot. Last man with the max score is Steve Curtis, who definitely needed those eight points . . . he now had 11!!!!!

Check out the latest Prediction League Standings by following the link below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League Latest Table

Pete

6 6 6

2010-09-28T10:45:00.000+01:00

Six away games . . . six draws . . . sixth place!!! But on balance, I guess most Darlo fans would have taken a point from the game against York beforehand.

Richard Collin’s first XI has found a rich vein of form, hitting his fifth correct score from twelve games . . . and consistent in the other games . . . to sit at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League table with 55 points. Steve Calvert is now back in second on 51 with his third XI scoring a max to move to joint third with Christian Fox on 44.

Humphrey Bogart is making a comeback (of sorts) with his max score to join Martin Cass in 7th on 41 points. Hannah Taylor really is in contention on 37 points in 16th spot; Andrew Hodgson has 31 in 43rd place; whilst Margaret White has burst into the top half of the table on 28 points.

Others in the goody-two-shoes bracket: Dean Martin, James Longstreet, Liam Pape, Margaret White, Nads Charity, Toby Corum 2 and Tony Taylor.

And then there were two – just Chicken George and Jean Johnson, sat in the corner with their arms folded and the biggest pet lips you’ve ever seen :) - all it will take to put the smiles back on their faces is a correct prediction. Good thing for them is they’ve still got another 34 matches in which to achieve that goal – or even to top the league?

And just how are those mini-leagues doing? Well, if you want to let me know who is in yours then I’ll make sure whoever is last will be suitably humiliated :)

For the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League (helping to raise cash for Youth Development), please follow the link below:

DARLINGTON SUPPORTERS TRUST PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST

Pete

And in the end, it all worked out fine....Come on Darlo Prediction League

2010-09-26T19:15:00.000+01:00

It’s a fine line between success and failure . . . a missed penalty (again) or a good save. And it’s a fine line between being booed or cheered from the pitch at the end of the game as Darlo have decided all their recent games should be resolved in injury time!!! Substitute McReady popping up with a 93rd-minute winner kept The Quakers in the hunt – but things will be tougher at York on Monday night.

That late late goal brought a deluge of correct scores, with our top three of Steve Calvert on 51, Richard Collin on 47 and Christian Fox on 44 all scoring maximums. Mark Kirk in fourth on 43 and Martin Cass on 41 in fifth also scored eight.

Other lucky so-and-so’s were: Abigail Robinson, Alf Hutchinson, Chris Walton 1, Chris Walton 2, Darren Darvill, David Sheppey 3, Edward Cundick, Elaine Battision, Eric Gill, Gary Woods, Harry Pape, Howling Wolf, Humphrey Bogart, Jamie Molnar, Jean and Dan, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Jonny Simpson, Laura Drew 1, Liam Pape, Lucy Grainge, Malcolm Cundick 2, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Matthew Ashmore, Micheal Spencer, Paul Johnson 1, Paul Robinson, Pete Knight, Peter Ashmore 1, Ruth Woods, Steve McGarvie, Steven Metcalfe, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1, Troy Lacend, Wayne Gibson.

The deluge of points didn’t seep down to the underbelly of the league, still three managers without a care (or point) in the world.

To view the latest standings in the Darlington Prediction League, raising much needed cash for Darlington FC Youth Development, go to the following:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League - Trust in Darlo

Pete

It's Like The Old Spinning Plate Trick.....

2010-09-23T09:37:00.000+01:00

. . . you know the one – lots of sticks pointing in the air and then someone spins a plate on top of each one. The trick is to keep them all going at the same time. Well, just as Darlo had their goal-scoring plate spinning freely . . . then the old defending plate has gone crashing to the ground. After Saturday’s defensive debacle, The Quakers recovered from going behind to lead 2-1 . . . only for pre-season favourites Luton Town to peg them back to 2-2.

Maybe we would all have taken that result before the game kicked off. But pretty soon they’ve got to start converting these draws into wins.

The scorelines are certainly testing all managers – Steve Calvert and Richard Collin are both be-calmed at the top of the table with their respective first XIs – on 43 and 39 points. Christian Fox has joined Chris Vallis, Mike Cass and Steve Calvert’s third XI on 36 points in joint third – Christian is already counting that prize-money, believe me!!!

Mark Kirk, whose team name of Nottingham Kirk Villa really does display an identity crisis, has benefited from his eight-pointer and is now in 7th place on 35. Garry Mann is exploring parts of the table previously off-limits in 10th on 33, whilst Toby Corum continues to explore all parts of the league table in 17th on 31. John Mosby and Mike Wells are just behind on 30.

Jenny Maughan’s max-score has made her “a contender” on 28 points – dreams do come true sometimes!!! Arthur Brennan has just crept into the top quarter on 25 points, but Lee Dyas and Margaret White’s eight points have just enabled them to achieve The Great Escape from bottom half shame. The interesting fact is that all these eight-point managers have been propelled up the league, just showing how wide open it all is . . . hmm, just what is £100 divided by 204?

This week’s fun runners (not sure who is wearing the monkey suit and who is in the back end of the horse?) are now down to three – Chicken George (bringing his own fancy dress outfit?), David Sheppey and Jean Johnson.

Apologies for the late results email – I’m presently studying at college a couple of nights a week for an accountancy qualification. And if my first team sinks any lower in the table (178th!!!) I might need some creative accounting (cheating) to elevate them up the table :) :) :)

To view the latest Prediction League Standings for the Darlington Supporter Trust (raising cash for Youth Development), please click on the link below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League

Pete

Darlo - Throwing it all Away

2010-09-19T16:47:00.000+01:00

COME ON DARLO Prediction League
for 2010-11

I do NOT belieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeve it!!! Were the Darlo players already back on the team bus when Bath scored those two injury-time goals?
Or do we look at the other side of the coin and say that’s five away games unbeaten?

Nah!!! Another cock-up on the playing front!!!

And after the late late show at Bath, we have the Steve and Richard Show in the Come On Darlo Prediction League – Steve Calvert 1 is on 43 points, leading from Richard Collin 1 on 39, who is in front of Steve Calvert 3 on 36 with Richard Collin 2 on 34. And neither manager scored maximum points after yesterday’s game.

Chris Vallis is leading the pack snapping at their heels on 33 points – Sam Taylor and Stephen Atkinson being a couple of the other managers on the same number of points.

Our max scorers were few and far between - Dame Dickson with the equally wonderful team name of Michael Jackson’s Doctor has gained most from Darlo’s profligacy, moving up to 31st place on 26 points; Richard Soul and Stephen Bennett a smidgen (correct terminology) behind on 25 points. Avril Dent’s Bluenosing the Vile (I daren’t ask what that team name means) is on 22 along with Martyn Cripps. Martyn Maidstone is moving from unadulterated mediocrity into standard averageness and is now on 14 points; whilst Toby Corum (past winner . . . and loser) is now on 8 points with his third XI.

And . . . then there were FOUR . . . heading towards October and nearly 20% of the way through the season, our intrepid four have managed to avoid waking the scorer from a coma for the ninth consecutive game. The Wall of Shame reads – Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson and Steve Curtis.

Big game on Tuesday . . . Luton Town . . . we will win!!!
2-0 - get your house, partner and children on it at the bookies

Check out the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League by:

CLICK HERE - PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST

Pete

GARY PALLISTER APPOINTED QUAKERS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

2010-09-16T12:10:00.001+01:00

Darlington have appointed football legend Gary Pallister as a new operations director.

The former England, Manchester United and Middlesbrough defender has agreed to take on an informal position for the Blue Square Bet Premier club.

Pallister’s appointment, which is strictly a commercial one, is aimed to increase the club’s profile and to help attract new sponsors and potential investors.

Raj Singh revealed the new appointment in the first of a three-part feature interview with Quakers Player, the club’s online TV service.

And the Quakers chairman today confirmed: "I've been talking to Gary for some time now about this proposition. “He has often said that he’s driven past the Arena so many times and thought ‘if someone could get hold of that club, it could go places’, which had been my view for a number years before I took over a year ago. “Well I’ve been trying to get him to buy into this idea for some time now so I’m extremely pleased he has agreed to come on board in an informal capacity. “His role is strictly a business one. He’ll meet sponsors when he can come to games at the Arena and he will meet potential new investors alongside myself. “Gary’s stature in the game is well-known. If we’re talking to local business people, trying to get them to come on board and take out sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us, then having Gary sitting alongside us, selling the club to them, will certainly add clout in terms of credibility and profile.

“It won’t be a very hands-on role so fans shouldn’t expect to see a great deal of him, he’ll work for us on an as-and-when basis, meeting key clients or sponsors and such like, and he’ll also hopefully be available for the fans nights that we hold at the Arena and other events, when his own business and TV commitments allow it.

“But his appointment will certainly help us to sell the club and to have someone like Gary around, with his experience and contacts in the game, will undoubtedly prove invaluable.”

Pallister, born in Kent but brought up in Norton, Stockton, began his playing career with Middlesbrough and had a loan spell with Darlington in 1985, playing seven games for the Quakers.

He played a big part in Boro’s climb through the divisions under Bruce Rioch after the club’s liquidation in 1986 and went on to join Manchester United for a British record £2.3m in ’89. Pallister played exactly 400 league and cup games over nine seasons for United before returning to Boro for £2.5m in July 1998, and played another 61 games for the Teessiders. He won a total of 22 caps for England and retired with a long-term back problem in 2001.

See the Threes for the Forest

2010-09-12T15:50:00.000+01:00

Don’t need those scoring boots now, as Darlo finally found theirs!!! A 3-0 home win against a very ordinary Forest Green Rovers moved The Quakers up to seventh place in the Blue Square Premier, with still only the one defeat in eight but needing to turn those draws into wins.

Steve Calvert’s scoring boots are firmly back on as he moves well clear in the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 43 points. Richard Colling is second on 36 with Steve’s third XI in joint third on 33 with John Berry and Neil Raper. Lyndsey Steel and Richard Collin’s second XI are close by on 31 with a clutch of managers breathing down their necks on 30, including the family battle of Martin and Mike Cass with Billy just behind on 28 (do these three know something about football?).

In spite of the 3-0 scoreline, there were a number of correct predictions: Avril Dent, Billy Cass, Edward Cundick, Ethan Vallis, Laura Drew 1, Laura Drew 2, Laura Drew 4, Lynne Pape, Mark Kirk, Mark Stephenson, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 1, Mike Cass, Paul Colman, Paul Robinson, Paul Soderman, Paul White, Peter Morris, Raymond Brennan, Richard Desmond, Stephen Gawthrop, Steven Metcalfe, Terry Simpson, Tim Hewitson, Toby Corum 1

As for the Nul-Pointers, aggressively hanging on to that status, I’m not sure whether saying equal 200th is better than equal last. But that’s where the Fab Five of Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson, Steve Curtis and Toby Corum find themselves. Investigations are continuing to establish if any of the five are involved with the Pakistani cricket team spread-betting scandal . . . either that, or they’re just absolutely average at predicting football scores :)

As announced pre-season, due to busting the 200-entries mark, there will be a couple of spot prizes this season. The first will be after 15 games when it will be awarded to the manager in 100th place.

Pete

Check out the latest standings in the Prediction League by clicking below:

Darlington Supporters Trust Latest League Table

Remember, all the good money you have helped us raise through this and the lottery scheme (details on the web site) help towards our contribution to Darlington FC Youth Development.

Nine Men....They Only Had Nine Men

2010-09-06T15:45:00.001+01:00

NINE MEN!!! . . . they only had nine men . . . they only had nine men . . . they only had nine mennnnn . . . . NINE MEN!!! . . . and one of those was a stand-in goalkeeper who normally plays midfield. Another two points goes begging as Darlo play against nine men for an hour, take the lead just before half time and then concede a headed equaliser to the smallest player in football history, then have no idea how to trouble the goalkeeping midfielder for the rest of the game.

And NOT troubling the scorer has afflicted last week’s top dogs – allowing Richard Collin on 33 and John Berry on 30 (both with maximum scores) to close in on Steve Calvert in first place on 35. Neil Raper and Steve’s third XI are joint third on 30, too. Lyndsey Steel and Richard Collin’s second XI are in the mix on 28 points.

A couple of other managers showing some good recent form are Martin Cass and Sam Taylor – both are on 27 points in joint eighth place. David Welton’s and Edward Stone’s are doing well on 23 points.

Other top scorers are - Andrew Ashmore, Beth Taylor, Billy Cass, Chris MacKenzie 3, Christian Fox, Dan Taylor, David Rice-Oxley, Donald Chesney, Garry Mann, Gary Woods, Harry Pape, Humphrey Bogart, John Baskerville, John Gutenberg, Keith Appleton, Lorraine Arscott, Mike Wells, Paul White, Rhonda Fleming, Stephen Bennett, Wayne Gibson, Will Caslon, Will Caxton

And now the nul-pointers are down to five – Chicken George, David Sheppey, Jean Johnson, Steve Curtis and Toby Corum

Click Below for the latest Prediction League Standings:

Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League Table

Pete

One Sunny Evening in Barrow....

2010-09-01T09:01:00.000+01:00

Is this Prediction League malarky getting too easy for some?

Our 1-1 away draw at Barrow brought Steve Calvert’s fourth correct score out of six games so far – moving his first XI into top spot on 35 points. Neil Raper manages to hold on to second place along with Steve’s third XI.

It was a beautiful evening on the way to Barrow, passing the fringes of The Lake District and some wonderful scenery – but why are we always at the end with the low sun in our eyes? It was a decent crowd of over 1,700 saw Darlo deservedly take the lead, after previously missing a penalty . . . only to be pegged back by a dubious Barrow penalty.

As for that 1-1 scoreline, no less than 52 managers got that result spot on - Andrew Ashmore, Andrew Hodgson, Arthur Brennan, Beth Taylor, Chris MacKenzie 3, Chris Vallis, Chris Walton 2, Dan Taylor, Dave Woods, David Alderson, David Rice-Oxley, David Sheppey 1, David Taylor, Deadly Doug, Elaine Battision, Gavin Shillingford, Jayne Hathaway, John Baskerville, John Berry 1, John Berry 3, John Mosby, John Sainsbury, Lucy Grainge, Luke Hewitson, Lyndsey Steel, Malcolm Cundick 2, Malcolm Cundick 3, Mark Hathaway, Mark Stephenson, Martyn Cripps 2, Mick Moriarty, Mike Cass, Miss Ing Fanz, Nick Groves, Paul Dickson, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Richard Collin 1, Richard Collin 2, Richard Desmond, Robert Mitchum, Sam Taylor, Stephen Atkinson, Stephen Mills, Stephen Nicholson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Duffy 2, Sue Oldham, Susan Weston, Terry Simpson, Toby Corum 2 and Will Caxton.

There are some new names near the top of the league – Stephen Atkinson on 27 points, Nick Groves on 25 points, Jilted John (it’s not fair) on 24. Vicky Richardson is leading lady on 24 points in joint ninth place.

And the “battle” for base camp is now down to six.

Click on the Link Below to download the latest Prediction League Standings.

PREDICTION LEAGUE LATEST POSITIONS

If you have a photo or image that you would like published here, just send us an email to darlotrust@gmail.com along with your permission to put it on this site and who knows, you and your Prediction League team could become super stars of the www! This year, it is serious with lots of competition for the title at the end of the season so let's get into it. If you would like to send us your profile with some notes about how long you have been a Darlo supporter etc, let us know.

Remember, you can join the Trust or make a donation to our important work in helping Youth Development, Football in the Community and the Disabled Supporters group, by going to our DSG website at

www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk

Our main website is undergoing a thorough revamp and will be relaunched shortly (ie when our webmaster can be bothered to get his finger out and actually do some work, Ed?). Watch this space for details.

Pete

Wow!!! We're really impressed now!!!!

2010-08-30T12:55:00.000+01:00

WOW!!! I’m really impressed!!! No, not with Darlo’s 2-0 win . . . but our top five managers have correctly predicted 3 out of 5 scores already this season. And Steve Calvert also got the correct results in the other two. Of course, you all had plenty of money on these predictions . . . didn’t you? Well, I am actually impressed with Darlo’s win as well if I’m honest and looking forward to the away game at Barrow.

So Steve Calvert’s third XI is sitting proudly at the top of the Come On Darlo Prediction League on a MASSIVE 30 points, Neil Raper is keeping company with Steve’s first XI on 27 points. Jilted John and Vicky Richardson have 24 . . . great scoring records so far!!! Mind, the chasing pack close by on 19 points would almost have won last season’s competition by now due to the low-scoring taking place then. Could this season’s winner break the 200-point barrier?

All managers (almost) were of one mind – that the scoreline would be in Darlo’s favour, which is why we have so many correct scores: Beth Taylor, Carol MacKenzie, Chris MacKenzie 1, Chris Vallis, Christian Fox, Christine Darvill, Dan Taylor, Dave Wilson, David Alderson, David Ewin, David Taylor, Deadly Doug, Eric Gill, Garry Mann, Gavin Shillingford, James Longstreet, Jamie Molnar, Jean and Dan, Jilted John, John Shuttleworth, Laura Drew 3, Lewis Raper, Mark Kirk, Mark Stephenson, Martin Cass, Martyn Walton, Michael Drew, Mike Cass, Mike Cleasby, Mike Wells, Neil Raper, Patrick Hernandez, Paul Johnson 2, Paul Robinson, Paul White, Peter Ashmore 2, Richard Widmark, Russell Jones 1, Sam Taylor, Stephen Atkinson, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steve Mann, Susan Weston, Tim Hewitson, Vicky Richardson.

Only around 20 managers didn’t have Darlo winning . . . tsk tsk!!!

And the gaggle of Pointless Wonders is now down to eight . . . and we’re still in August!!!

Point of Order – A request for a team name change has been received, which is highly irregular after the season has started. An extraordinary meeting of the committee took place to consider said request and after an all-night session . . . I mean discussion . . . it was decided by a majority of one vote to nil to accept the request. Therefore, I duly announce Russ Jones’ second team as “Slappy’s Dregs”

Come On Darlo :)

For more information and to view all the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League, click on the following link:

DarloTrust Prediction League

Pete

Cooper and Liddle praise the Trust

2010-08-29T10:28:00.000+01:00

Darlington Manager, Mark Cooper, has praised the Darlington Supporters Trust for its continued sponsorship of the Club. The Trust has sponsored the dug outs and the Manager's kit for the season.

In addition, Craig Liddle was quick to comment on the additional help he and the Youth Development set up have got from the Trust. Speaking on the Club website, Craig said "It's common knowledge that the Trust has long been big supporters of the Youth set up and as usual their help this year is yet again a huge help".

The Trust has sponsored the Clubs youth team and is delighted with the start to their season. Trust Chair, Tony Taylor, said "we all know that the future of the Club rests with a strong youth team and it is really satisfying to see young players develop into full time professionals in the first team".

"We are confident that our support of youth development, through our lottery scheme, prediction league and other fund raising activities, will make a real difference to the future of the Club we all support".

Don't Panic....Latest Trust Prediction League Placings

2010-08-26T09:29:00.000+01:00

Oh-Kaaaaaayyyyy!!! Just starting to panic a teensy weensy bit on the goal-scoring front . . . as the proverbial barn door is looking more like the grand entrance to a rabbit hutch (in the far distance). Darlo’s first defeat of the season (sounds impressive, doesn’t it!) hides the fact that they’ve only scored three goals . . . one from Mr O.G. And don’t we ALWAYS beat Grimsby? . . . the world is upside down!!!

Steve Calvert is taking the league by storm with two teams in the top three – first and third!!! His maximum score took him three points clear of weekend leader Neil Raper on 19, who is joined there by . . . Steve Calvert. Jilted John, Lemsip Opek and Vicky Richardson have 16 points in joint fourth place. Steve’s top spot has been achieved with two correct scores and two correct results - “good arrows” (not suggesting you used a pin to select them mind, Steve).

Not many other max points scorers (and not many overall who predicted the away win): Alistair Cripps, Andrew Ashmore, Gary Robertson, Hannah Taylor, Jamie Molnar, Jilted John, Michael Drew and Terry Simpson.

There’s still a whole heap of managers (correct terminology for failing managers who are destined for the scrap heap) who haven’t troubled the scorers up to this point . . . perhaps we should have a sweepstake on how many games it takes before all have achieved more than the dreaded NIL.

For more information and to view all the latest standings in the Darlington Supporters Trust Prediction League, click on the following link:

DarloTrust Prediction League

Pete

Can’t figure it out yet? Darlo Trust Prediction League Latest after Kettering

2010-08-22T13:36:00.001+01:00

Can’t figure it out yet . . . is it going to be a high-scoring set of games this season or very tight?

Well, so far, Darlo have achieved the classic one point away and three at home but the lack of firepower from the front players is slightly worrying as some of the other front-runners seem to be scoring at will.

No such lack of firepower from Neil Raper who leads the Come On Darlo Prediction League with 19 points – which includes two correct scores and one correct result. Vicky Richardson and Lemsip Opek are just behind on 16 points, both having achieved two correct scores.

Quite a few other managers found their scoring touch with the 0-0 result: Alex Wilson, Jayne Hathaway, John Berry 1, John Mosby, Mark Hathaway, Martin Raison, Martyn Cripps 2, Nick Groves, Russell Jones 2, Steve Calvert 1, Steve Calvert 3, Steven Metcalfe

There’s a clutch of managers on 14 points (who’ve correctly predicted one score and two results): Alex Wilson, Brian Main, James Houghton, Malcolm Cundick (right end of the table this season, Malcolm!), Richard Collin and Steve Calvert.

There’s an even bigger clutch of managers on the extremely well known NUL POINTS – plenty of time, though!

Take a look at the latest Prediction League table by clicking here.

Remember, all profits from this Prediction League are given to Darlington FC Youth Development and Craig Liddle is really pleased to be working with us for the future of Darlington FC.

Pete

Stirring Comeback lights up Prediction League

2010-08-18T14:35:00.000+01:00

I just wonder how many “Get Out Of Jail Free” cards we’ve been issued by the Blue Square Premier – to be using one so early in the season!!!

With 12 minutes to go, Darlo 2-0 down and seemingly dead and buried, they produced a stirring comeback which had the fans wondering why they hadn’t applied that same pressure for the previous 78. Still, it’s two games unbeaten and we’re in the mix in the league table in sixth place.

And from these first two games we’ve got 19 managers who’ve achieved a correct score and correct result giving them all 11 points in the table. But it’s Malcolm Cundick, Sue Oldham and James Cagney (old friend) who pulled the rabbit out of the hat with last night’s 2-2 draw. Both Sue and Malcolm are in joint top spot with a few “old-timers” and some new names.

Jeff and Jenny Maughan are already flagged up to the scrutineer’s committee, both having 11 points :) - Jenny nearly having as many points now as she did all of last season. Couple of our younger (and regular) managers Luke Hewitson and Lewis Raper are also in joint top spot. Pete Knight’s first appearance sees him off to a good start, whilst Steve Mann can’t believe he’s up there challenging. Brian Main leads the charge (geddit?) for the HMRC Men.

Some great team names this time around . . . I particularly like “Hartlepool Nil”, especially if it comes true!!! Others have surely got a meaning only to the manager themselves, whilst a select few names really could do with seeing a psychiatrist!!! :) . . . “Penguins Stole My Socks is one I’m particularly fond of.

League tables will be coming thick and fast as The Quakers play a couple of games a week in the early part of the season.

Click here to view the latest standings in the Prediction League - helping to raise cash for Darlington Football Club's Youth Development programme

Well - You've Gone and Done it This Time!!!!!

2010-08-15T20:05:00.000+01:00

Not only have you created another record number of entries to the prediction league, but you’ve also crashed through the 200-barrier!!!

We have a grand total of 204 managers in this year’s competition which is fantastic considering that none of you know anything about league football, so you’re bound to know even less about the Blue Square Premier :) :) :) Many thanks to all those who have taken the time and trouble to enter – the use of PayPal seems to have been a great help, too.

This means over £220 towards DFC’s youth development to assist Craig Liddle and Neil Maddison with their work in the youth teams. And for anyone who hasn’t seen this story about James Morrison, midfielder from West Bromwich Albion, who was raised in Darlington (but didn’t play for them) here is the link - http://www.darlofc.co.uk/news.php?NewsID=322
James contacted our own Neil Maddison offering his help and ended up sponsoring two of the youth teams – which is a great gesture. And some of our managers in the Come On Darlo Prediction League have got in on the act, too . . . some donating more than just the entry fee for their teams and others pledging any winnings to the youth development . . . a great effort by everyone!!! If anyone wants to contribute further towards helping the youth players at DFC, then I’m happy to co-ordinate this – cheques should be made payable to “Darlington Supporters Trust” and sent to 128 Lowther Drive, Darlington, Co. Durham.

And what of the competition ahead? Well, we’ve already got the first game under our belts with a hard-fought 1-0 home win – Hatch scoring in only the fifth minute. Next game is away at Altrincham on Tuesday after which the first league table will be produced and emailed to everyone and will also appear on the trust website at www.darlotrust.co.uk.

If you have any queries about your scores or anything else then email me here as soon as possible – you all kept your own copies, right :)
If you have other email addresses you want to use to receive the match-by-match results, then let me know.

How many of you are playing in your own mini-leagues, too? Make sure all your friends are listed in the leagues – and let me know who you are and I’m sure I can give you all a mention throughout the season. The Hayssen Sandiacre “mini” league just keeps getting bigger and they are bound to be a challenge to the overall placings. We’ve broken the 200 managers barrier – can someone break the 200 points barrier this season?

Thanks to all those who returned their entries in Microsoft Excel format . . . you’ve saved me so much inputting work; and for the others I’ve got the first five scores entered . . . lots of work still to do!!!

Good Luck and let’s hope for a swift return to the Football League so, as they say, Come on Darlo!!!

Pete

Shop & Earn Cash for the Trust

2010-07-22T21:29:00.000+01:00

Use the following safe link for your online shopping and help us to raise funds for Youth development and the Disabled Supporters Group:

www.buy.at/darlotrust

Don't forget to enter the Prediction League - you can do it all online at

www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk

All Prediction League profits go to Darlington FC Youth Development

Thanks for your support.

Prediction League - Pay Online

2010-07-22T21:27:00.000+01:00

Just take a stroll to our sister website at www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk to download the forms to enter this year's prediction league (and hey, we all have Darlo at the top don't we?). Not only that, you can now pay for your online entries using PayPal, as well as donating or renewing subs online.

We hope to have our new look, main website up and running in the next couple of weeks.

Please be tolerant with us while we ring the changes - lets face it, its going to be a lot different this season in so many ways.

Don't forget, all the profits from the Prediction League are given directly to Youth Development at Darlington FC.

Trust Prediction League - All Profits To Darlington FC Youth Development

2010-07-22T21:24:00.001+01:00

This is the real anti-dote to that “stuff” in the World Cup . . . you can’t really use the word “football”

So get some proper football in your veins and pit your wits against all the other managers!!!
It’s the COME ON DARLO Prediction League for 2010-11

Last season's competition saw a record 178 managers battling it out for the title of Champion of the Come On Darlo Prediction League. But Darlo’s poor season was reflected in the poor scores achieved by all managers – so how can you cope with the Blue Square Premier League? That's the challenge for you, your friends, family and work colleagues. Why not get enough managers together for your own mini league and the chance of showing off your footballing knowledge?

All you have to do is predict Darlo's scores for the coming season - couldn’t be easier eh? In addition, you have to predict the promotion and relegation places of all the leagues in England plus play-off finalists, the FA Cup and League Cup finalists - and where the other north east clubs will finish in their respective leagues. Finally, you have to tell us the answer to some DFC questions. They add up to a whole heap of points.

And just to make things even more interesting, there are top prizes to be won –

1st, £100; 2nd, £50; 3rd, £25 with a £10 spot prize at New Year

And, of course, there's the obligatory Wooden Spoon for the manager who finishes last!!! There are now six managers already out there with this coveted spoon (of shame) with our very own fab fan Lance Ireland the latest recipient. Let’s see if we can achieve over 200 entries for this year’s competition – dig out those friends and family who think they know about football and get them involved; challenge those Premier League-supporting mates and work colleagues to predict some real football scores! There will be further spot prizes if we break that 200-entry mark.

Weekly results and the up-to-date league table will be sent out to all those who supply their correct email address, whilst we'll also keep you in touch with the league's progress each week via Darlington Supporters' Trust's website and our sister site at www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk . But be warned, I will reveal all those who are performing poorly :)

You can enter as many times as you wish - please photocopy forms and encourage friends, family and work colleagues to join in. The fee for each entry form is £2 - cheques only, payable to "Darlington Supporters' Trust." All profits will go towards DFC’s Youth Development programme . . . assisting our stars of tomorrow!!!

TO ENTER: Go to

www.darlotrustdsg.co.uk

and follow the onscreen instructions or email

comeondarlo@sky.com

for an entry form direct to your email address

Entries Close Firday 6th August 2010 - please help - all profits go to support Darlington FC's Youth Development. Help us to promote the future for our Club

Good luck!!!

Pete

Darlo Fixtures 2010-2011

2010-07-01T16:48:00.000+01:00

Sat 14th August Newport County Home 3pm
Tue 17th August Altringham Away 7.45pm
Sat 21st August Kettering Town Away 3pm
Tue 24th August Grimsby Town Home 7.45pm
Sat 28th August Gateshead Home 3pm
Mon 30th August Barrow Away 3pm
Sat 4th September Eastbourne Borough Away 3pm
Sat 11th September Forest Green Rovers Home 3pm
Sat 18th September Bath City Away 3pm
Tue 21st September Luton Town Home 7.45pm
Sat 25th September Southport Home 3pm
Tue 28th September York City Away 7.45pm
Sat 2nd October Wrexham Home 3pm
Tue 5th October Rushden & Diamonds Away 3pm
Sat 9th October Hayes & Yeading Home 3pm
Sat 16th October Mansfield Town Away 3pm
Sat 30th October AFC Wimbledon Away 3pm
Tue 9th November Tamworth Home 7.45pm
Sat 13th November Crawley Town Home 3pm
Sat 20th November Wrexham Away 3pm
Sat 27th November Luton Town Away 3pm
Tue 30th November Histon Home 7.45pm
Sat 4th December Kidderminster Harriers Home 3pm
Sat 18th December Cambridge United Away 3pm
Sun 26th December Fleetwood Town Home 3pm
Tue 28th December Gateshead Away 7.45pm
Sat 1st January Fleetwood Town Away 3pm
Mon 3rd January Barrow Home 3pm
Sat 8th January AFC Wimbledon Home 3pm
Sat 22nd January Tamworth Away 3pm
Tue 25th January Mansfield Town Home 7.45pm
Sat 29th January Kettering Town Home 3pm
Sat 5th February Newport County Away 3pm
Sat 12th February Eastbourne Borough Home 3pm
Sat 19th February Forest Green Rovers Away 3pm
Sat 26th February Grimsby Town Away 3pm
Sat 5th March Cambridge United Home 3pm
Sat 12th March Histon Away 3pm
Sat 19th March Kidderminster Harriers Away 3pm
Sat 26th March Altringham Home 3pm
Sat 2nd April Crawley Town Away 3pm
Sat 9th April Bath City Home 3pm
Sat 16th April Hayes & Yeading Away 3pm
Sat 23rd April York City Home 3pm
Mon 25th April Southport Away 3pm
Sat 30th April Rushden & Diamonds Home 3pm

Darlo Kick off season with Newport County at Home

2010-07-01T15:47:00.000+01:00

Yes after all the off pitch goings on it is now time to look at something on the pitch.

The first day fixtures have been released by the Blue Square Premier and Darlo have got Newport County visiting them at the Arena on 14th August 2010.

Club seeking sponsorship for youth set up

2010-06-30T15:53:00.001+01:00

Craig Liddle has invited Darlington fans and businesses to help fund the club's youth set-up by sponsoring their young teams.

There are a range of sponsorship options available. More than £200,000 a year is needed to run the club's youth set-up alone, with teams ranging from Under-9s through to Under-18s.

Full details can be found on the clibs webpage.

Cooper takes over at DFC

2010-06-30T15:45:00.000+01:00

Mark Cooper has taken over as Manager at DFC. The club has seen a hetic few weeks with two managers going and Cooper coming in.

Cooper who has managed Peterborough, Tamworth and Kettering Town is looking forward to the challenge that is ahead of him as manager of Darlington Football Club. Cooper told the clubs offical web site

"You look around and look at the stadium, I've looked at the squad, they've got some decent players signed up. I've had two or three years in it (Conference) and done pretty well. I'm looking forward to it, it's a tough league, I'm sure the fans realise that.

"It's a big, strong, physical league at times and you have to be able to deal with that.

"It's not all about playing pretty football, you have to grind results out and be big and strong. If you can do that you'll have a chance."

The full interview can be found on the Clubs web page.

Davey takes over at Hereford

2010-06-22T12:26:00.000+01:00

It has been announced that Simon Davey has taken over at League Two club Hereford today.

Full details can be found on the northern echo webpage

Davey - Why I quit the Quakers

2010-06-21T14:02:00.000+01:00

Simon Davey has spoken to Andrew Wilkinson at the Evening Gazette regarding his resignation as Darlington Manager.

Davey has hit back at criticism over the manner of his resignation, and has thrown his weight behind the club and Raj Singh the Chairman.

Davey told the Gazette "While I was away in America I received a fantastic financial offer from a USA soccer company that made me think long and hard about my current situation.'After long consideration with my family, I decided to tender my resignation."

"There was never, ever, any disagreement between the Darlington chairman and me regarding players that I wanted to bring in. Raj Singh was very supportive of me there; in fact he was very supportive in everything I did. I think we both shared a number of common values.
'In my view, he is a chairman who most managers would find it easy to work with. He certainly has the best interests of Darlington Football Club at heart and I think that, given time and the support of the fans, he will turn things around."

'I've apparently been criticised - although I'm not entirely sure by whom - for resigning in writing. I did that because that's what my contract required me to do and because, given the formal nature of what I was doing, that was also the right thing to do.

The full article can be found on the Evening Gazette website.

Trust Chair, Tony Taylor, said he was "pleased to hear that there had been no significant issues behind the resignation of Simon Davey", but did state that Davey's comments raised "more questions than it answered".

"Hopefully", says Taylor, "this sorry saga can now be put behind us and the supporters can rally behind new Manager Ryan Kidd". Taylor emphasised that "this is probably the most important season in the history of Darlington football club and it is vital that we can now move on positively".

Kidd Appointment - Evening Gazette Article

2010-06-18T14:37:00.000+01:00

Andrew Wilkinson, from the evening gazette, has been speaking to Ryan Kidd on his appointment as manager at DFC.

Kidd said: “I have been in the game for 25 years and been a coach for eight. All managers get their first job by chance, and this is mine. I’m ready for it.

“I didn’t expect this chance to come along now, but I couldn’t turn it down. In just 10 weeks here I have seen the structure and the foundations. I want to be the man to bring Darlington back into the Football League."

The article also reveals that the club has sold nearly the same amount of season tickets as they had at this point last year.

The full article can be found on the Evening Gazette website.

Graham Fordy - Steady the Ship

2010-06-18T14:21:00.000+01:00

Graham Fordy has been discussing in the Northern Echo the need to steady the ship at Darlington FC follow the recent events at the club.

The full article can be found on the Northern Echo Web Site.

Kidd on appointment as manager

2010-06-18T13:47:00.001+01:00

Ryan Kidd has today been talking to the Northern Echo about his appointment as Darlington Manager.

Kidd has reassured fans that he would not rejoin Davey should the opportunity arise at a higher placed league club. “If Simon got another job and offered me a role it would to be as an assistant – now I’m a manager, so do I want to step down to be an assistant again? The answer is no.

“I think you’ll find I’m a loyal and honest person and will do this job to the best of my ability.

“I like what’s going on at this club. The foundations are in place, we’ve got a really good chance next year of bouncing back – I want to be part of that and who wouldn’t be.”

The full article can be found on the Northern Echo Web page.

Tony Taylor, Trust Chairman, states "We wish Ryan Kidd every success in his new appointment and we hope that he can bring a level of stability to the club after what has been an unfortunate sequence of events over the recent days."

Be Interactive with the Trust

2010-06-17T18:06:00.000+01:00

The Trust are Twittering & on Facebook & would like DFC fans to be interactive with them.

The Trust can be found on Twitter @DarloTrust or on Facebook Darlo Trust/Darlington Supporters Trust.

Raj Singh on Kidd Appointment

2010-06-17T15:10:00.000+01:00

Raj Singh has given his views of the appointment of Ryan Kidd as the new Darlington Manager, on the clubs official website.

Raj Singh said: "Ryan is the best option for us, given his involvement in player recruitment since joining the club in April, and we're hoping he'll be able to carry on all the good work we've done recently in creating a buzz around the place.

He knows the players that he and Simon Davey wanted to keep here as well as helping to identify new signings this summer. He's also had a big hand in trying to persuade three other players to join us who are currently mulling offers on the table.

He shares the same beliefs and philosophies when it comes to football which means the emphasis next season will still be on playing attractive and entertaining football."

The full article can be found on the clubs web page.

Trust Chairman on Davey Resignation

2010-06-17T14:30:00.000+01:00

There was surprise around the town that after 77 days in charge Simon Davey (pictured) resigned as manager of Darlington Football Club. It would appear Davey resigned from the club via email. Raj Singh. club chairman, has stated that the resignation is due to personal reasons.

Interviewed by the Northern Echo, Trust Chairman Tony Taylor stated:
“The manner of the way it has happened is immaterial. What is important is what is behind it and what has motivated it. If it is personal, then fine, and it is better for the football club. If there’s something else behind it, it’s better for the fans that we know now.”

Ryan Kidd, who was number two to Davey, has today been announced as the new manager for the club. It has been reported that Kidd has been given a two year contract.

Darlo Appoint New Manager

2010-06-17T14:18:00.000+01:00

Darlo have announced that Ryan Kidd has been announced as the new Darlington Manager, following the resignation of Simon Davey yesterday. It has been reported by the Northern Echo that Raj Singh has given Kidd, Davey's number two at the club, a two year contract.

Season Tickets Great Value, says Trust

2010-06-09T18:29:00.000+01:00

The Darlington Supporters Trust has put its backing and support behind the initiative at Darlington Football Club who are offering Season Tickets for next season at just £250 before the 11th June and £280 thereafter for adults.

Paul Hodgson, Vice Chair of the Trust, urged fans to take up this offer and today said "We know that this is the start of what is likely to be a momentous and significant season for the Club as it looks to bounce straight back into the Football League."

"The Trust", said Hodgson, "believes that the support of fans is essential for progress in the right direction and no one can be in any doubt about the terrific level of support for the Club in recent seasons, in spite of all the difficulties the Club has gone through. We all know that it is possible for the Club to make a speedy return to the Football League and we encourage fans to show their backing by taking up this offer from the football club".

The Trust, which also runs a Disabled Supporters Group, is also pleased to note the concession prices remain in place for the season tickets, and the DSG will continue to work closely with the Football club to ensure that disability and inclusion issues are dealt with so that the club's excellent reputation in this area can be maintained.

Trust AGM

2010-05-31T22:01:00.001+01:00

Members will have received notification of the Trust AGM this coming Wendesday night at the Coachman Hotel and we look forward to welcoming any fully paid up members to the meeting.

The Agenda will be as per that issued to the members in the Calling Notice which invited nominations and items for the agenda - since no other items for the Agenda have been received, no other business, other than that on the Calling Notice will be conducted on the night.

This is in accordance with the legislative requirements under which we operate as an Industrial and Provident Society.

Only fully paid up members will be admitted to the meeting and membership applications can not be processed on the night. Members should have their membership cards with them, along with appropriate verification of ID and membership will be checked where appropriate.

Prediction League - They think it's all over...

2010-05-31T18:24:00.001+01:00

. . . it is now!!!

And while it’s not been anywhere near a good season for Darlo, it has been for our winner:

1st – Andrew Hodgson - 173 points
2nd – Carl Hankin - 169 points
3rd – The Duke (alias . . . me!) - 167 points

First-timer Andrew Hodgson has hit the big time by winning the ultimate Darlo competition – The Come On Darlo Prediction League 2009-10. Well done to Andrew, who has been there or thereabouts all season – as has second-placed Carl Hankin, who only just misses out on top spot. Commiserations Carl. (Extra points on the league table are for Leeds Utd finishing second, not 21st . . . as I put in the spreadsheet).

It’s been a really low-scoring competition, with Darlo’s results being anything from good, to average, to pathetic, to diabolical . . . and beyond!!! Cheques and certificates will be winging their way to you in the very near future.

And The Spoon? It can only be – Lance Ireland – who timed his run to perfection, took bottom spot fairly late in the season and clung on for dear life, fighting off all-comers. Lance, the naff spoon will be on its way very soon – take pride in it and hang it somewhere to remind you every day of your “achievement”.

What about other top dogs in the different sections?

DARLINGTON SCORES (top three):
111 – Andrew Hodgson
111 – Carl Hankin
111 – Robert Mitchum (though Rob could only manage 16th place)
DARLINGTON SCORES (bottom three):
23 – Malcolm Cundick 2
23 – Richard Collin 2
21 – Lance Ireland

LEAGUE AND CUP (top three):
64 – Martyn Cripps 2
62 – Damian Dickson
61 – Sue Oldham
LEAGUE AND CUP (bottom three):
11 – Gillian Percival
11 – John Berry 3
08 – Ian Butler

LOCAL FOOTBALL (top three):
38 – Martyn Walton
34 – Peter White
30 – Paul Johnson 2
LOCAL FOOTBALL (bottom three):
04 – Jayne Hathaway
04 – Nick Walters
02 – Gary Woods

Top Gal is Sue Oldham on 151 points in eighth place. Not sure if her team name of “Not So Good This Year?” was a prediction on herself or The Quakers. Whichever way, it brought her within 22 points of league glory.

And, finally, a big THANK YOU to all of you who entered this season’s challenge – to those who’ve been with us through all six competitions (we must be doing something right) and to all you newcomers, let’s hope we haven’t put you off!!!

The BIG challenge for you all next season is – The Blue Square Premier!!! If you thought you knew nothing about lower league football, then this surely must be the ultimate challenge. And the competition WILL go on, so why not ask that mate, colleague, family member if they’re up for it?

And let’s hope for better things for Darlo, too.

Pete

Darlington Results

Aldershot Town 3 1 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 1 Bury
DARLINGTON 0 1 Crewe Alexandra
Port Vale 1 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 1 Cheltenham Town
Lincoln City 3 0 DARLINGTON
Accrington Stanley 2 1 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 2 AFC Bournemouth
Grimsby Town 1 1 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 2 Rochdale
DARLINGTON 0 1 Macclesfield Town
Dagenham & Redbridge 2 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 2 1 Shrewsbury Town
Barnet 3 0 DARLINGTON
Hereford United 2 1 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 0 Burton Albion
Chesterfield 5 2 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 4 Morecambe
Notts County 4 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 1 Bradford City
Torquay United 5 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 2 Northampton Town
Rotherham United 1 2 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 1 Lincoln City
DARLINGTON 1 3 Port Vale
Bury 1 1 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 2 Aldershot Town
Crewe Alexandra 3 0 DARLINGTON
Cheltenham Town 3 3 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 2 0 Rotherham United
Morecambe 2 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 2 3 Chesterfield
DARLINGTON 0 5 Notts County
Bradford City 1 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 3 Torquay United
Northampton Town 2 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 1 2 Barnet
Shrewsbury Town 0 2 DARLINGTON
Burton Albion 1 2 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 1 Hereford United
DARLINGTON 0 0 Accrington Stanley
Rochdale 0 1 DARLINGTON
AFC Bournemouth 2 0 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 2 Grimsby Town
Macclesfield Town 0 2 DARLINGTON
DARLINGTON 0 2 Dagenham & Redbridge

League and Cup

Chelsea Premier League: 1st Place
Manchester United Premier League: 2nd Place
Arsenal Premier League: 3rd Place
Tottenham Hotspur Premier League: 4th Place

Burnley Premier League: 18th Place
Hull City Premier League: 19th Place
Portsmouth Premier League: 20th Place

Newcastle United Championship: 1st Place
West Bromwich Albion Championship: 2nd Place
Blackpool Championship: Playoff Winners
Cardiff City Championship: Playoff Losers

Sheffield Wednesday Championship: 22nd Place
Plymouth Argyle Championship: 23rd Place
Peterborough United Championship: 24th Place

Norwich City Division 1: 1st Place
Leeds United Division 1: 2nd Place
Millwall Division 1: Playoff Winners
Swindon Town Division 1: Playoff Losers

Gillingham Division 1: 21st Place
Wycombe Wanderers Division 1: 22nd Place
Southend United Division 1: 23rd Place
Stockport County Division 1: 24th Place

Notts County Division 2: 1st Place
AFC Bournemouth Division 2: 2nd Place
Rochdale Division 2: 3rd Place
Dagenham & Redbridge Division 2: Playoff Winners
Rotherham United Division 2: Playoff Losers

Grimsby Town Division 2: 23rd Place
Darlington Division 2: 24th Place

Stevenage Borough Conference: 1st Place
Luton Town Conference: 2nd Place
Oxford United Conference: Playoff Winners
York City Conference: Playoff Losers

Chelsea FA Cup: Winners
Portsmouth FA Cup: Losers

Manchester United League Cup: Winners
Aston Villa League Cup: Losers

Local Football

6 How many clean sheet will Darlington keep in the league
23 How many clean sheet will opponents keep in the league
18 How many Darlington players will score a league goal (not own goals)
8 How many league points will Darlington achieve by Nov 25, 2009
15 How many league points will Darlington achieve by Feb 28, 2010
30 How many league points will Darlington achieve in total
33 How many league goals will Darlington score
87 How many league goals will Darlington concede
1 How many sendings-off will Darlington have in the league
2 How many penalties will Darlington score in the league?
2 How many (scored) penalties will Darlington concede in the league
24 Darlington's final league position
4 How many cup games will Darlington play (inc. replays)?
5 Highest aggregate goals in one home match (ie, 5-3 = 8)
7 Highest aggregate goals in one away match (ie, 1-4 = 5)
9 Total league goals scored by Darlington's top scorer

1 Newcastle's final league position
11 Middlesbrough's final league position
13 Sunderland's final league position
20 Hartlepool's final league position
14 Carlisle's final league position
5 York's final league position
2 Leeds Utd's final league position

Darlo Trust Leading the way on Disability Issues

2010-05-27T18:38:00.000+01:00

Members from the Darlington Supporters Trust attended the Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) at Wembley Stadium yesterday.

The registered charity, which represents 30,000 disabled supporters in the UK,is leading the way in representing Disability issues to the football authorities and the Trust in Darlington is held in high regard for its own work in this area. Trust Chair, Tony Taylor, was elected as a Trustee of the Charity.

The Conference was addressed by leading members of the 2018 World Cup Bid and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as other disabled supporter organisations, at what was described by Wembley Chief Executive David Bernstein, as the best turnout yet for a NADS AGM. Bernstein, a former Chair of Manchester City, is President of NADS organisation. Meanwhile, Lord Rosser of Ickenham, Vice President of NADS, said that the organisation was vital and representations it had made to the All Party Parliamentary Committee had made quite an impact on developments across all sports, not just football.