Storm stops benefit farewell

Steven Johnson did not get the goodbye he deserved when the Darlington striker's benefit game against Sunderland was abandoned during Wednesday night's storms, writes Ray Simpson.

After consulting with Quakers manager Martin Gray and Sunderland boss Kevin Ball, the referee was left with no option but to call a halt after 28 minutes with heavy rain pooling on the pitch and the ball starting to stick. Nevertheless, Johnson, who scored fifteen goals last season but is being forced to quit due to work commitments, was given an ovation as he headed for the shelter of the dressing rooms.

He was later handed the man-of-the-match award, despite never setting foot on the pitch, and a framed print from the club. Johnson was in tears during the post-match presentation and confirmed that all the money raised from the event would be going back to the Firth Division North club. "I don't want a penny - the club need it more than I do," said an emotional Johnson.