Darlington director John Tempest has thanked several organisations for helping to successfully stage the two friendlies against Newcastle and Sunderland.

The two games, staged at the Northern Echo Arena on Saturday and Tuesday, were watched by nearly 5,000 people, as Quakers lost 5-1 to Newcastle and recovered to beat Sunderland 2-0.

“I would like to thank several people and organisations for their assistance and co-operation over the weekend;

• Mowden Park Rugby Club for the use of the Arena and the help of the Arena staff.
• Newcastle Football Club and Peter Beardsley for bringing a squad of players.
• Sunderland Football Club for bringing a squad of players.
• Our main sponsors Virgin Trains for sponsoring the Newcastle game.
• All our other sponsors for backing the club in those two games.
• Our management team, players and volunteers for their help and organisation.
• The fans who attended the two games.

“We are entering an exciting period for the club now as the we prepare for the return to the town, and we’re hoping for more and more support in the weeks and months to come.”