Darlington manager Martin Gray has thanked the fans for their “tremendous backing” in the Nantwich game on Thursday night, and wants more of the same at Grantham on Saturday.

Many fans remarked after the game about the increased noise generated by the Darlo fans after Chris Hunter was red carded with 13 minutes left, and MG said; “The fans really played their part in the closing stages of the game. They were already buzzing after Tom Portas scored, but when Chris was sent off, they moved up to another level.

“The atmosphere really helped our players. Obviously we had to re-adjust and play one up front and put other players out of position, and the fans realised that we had our backs against the wall trying to keep out a very good Nantwich team.

“The lads responded to the atmosphere, and dug in even deeper to make sure that we won the game.”

Quakers go to Grantham on Saturday, and over 500 fans are expected to follow the team down to Lincolnshire as they try to narrow the four point gap on leaders Blyth.

“Again, the fans can play a key role, by helping the players with as much positive noise as possible. The players and the management team really appreciate their help.”

Quakers have now won nine out of their last ten matches as they prepare for the Grantham game. This will be the first game against Grantham this season, as the home fixture was called off in January, and the game is due to take place on Tuesday April 19^th.

Grantham’s last eight results:

April 7^th Marine (away) drew 1-1 Ryan

April 2^nd Salford (away) lost 0-5

March 28^th Frickley (home) won 1-0 Burns

March 19^th Colwyn Bay (away) won 1-0 Shaw

March 15^th Stourbridge (home) drew 2-2  Shaw 2 (they were 2-0 up)

March 12^th Ramsbottom (away) drew 2-2 og, Lewis

March 8^th Sutton Coldfield (home) won 2-1 Shaw, Ryan (they were 1-0 down)

March 5^th Workington (away) drew 1-1 Meadows (last minute penalty)

Grantham are currently 14^th in the table, having won nine and drawn five of their 21 home games this season.

The match at the Meres kicks off at 3pm, and will be covered on Darlo Fans Radio, Twitter, Facebook, website and the app.