Quakers could be home by August

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Darlington are another step closer to ending their exile after confirming that fans have successfully raised nearly £85,000 to fund a move to Darlington Rugby Club's Blackwell Meadows ground.

Since leaving the Arena in Darlington two years ago following administration and being reformed by fans, pictured, the Quakers have been playing home games at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park. They could now be back home by August after exceeding their initial fundraising target of £50,000 to fund the move.

Despite still attracting average crowds of 1,200 in both the Northern League last season while winning the title at the first attempt, and again this season as they target a second successive promotion, the club’s officials are delighted with the news that the last major obstacle to a return home has been removed.

Dave Mills, the club's community and fan liaison manager, told the BBC it was "massively important" to return to Darlington. "Whilst we enjoy playing out at Bishop Auckland, we really do have this desire to return home," he said.

Darlington fan Les Hodge said playing in Bishop Auckland was like "putting Middlesbrough Football Club in Newcastle". He added: "We need to be back home where we belong. The fans are all gagging for it."