Quakers pass key milestone on road home

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Darlington have overcome another key obstacle to end their two year exile.

The First Division North club – reformed by supporters – currently play at Bishop Auckland’s Heritage Park but could be back in Darlington next season following a key vote at the town's rugby club.

The Quakers hope to move into Darlington RFC’s Blackwell Meadows ground, pictured, and on Wednesday night the rugby club’s members voted in favour of the groundshare which had already been agreed by the clubs.

In a statement, the Quakers said: "The football club is understandably delighted with the news. It means that the football club and its supporters can start to build on the significant amount of work that has already taken place to help the club return to the town.

"While there is much work to still be done to end the club’s two year exile the latest developments are another significant milestone for the club.

"The Board of Directors of Darlington Football Club is delighted that the members of Darlington RFC have ratified the proposed facilities sharing agreement."

Last season's Northern League champions, who launched a major fundraising drive earlier this season to pave the way for the move, say further information will be released to fans in due course.