Words: Ryan Jacobs, Images: David Airey
FOLLOWING our exit in the Isuzu FA Trophy last weekend, we return to league action this Saturday, where the Magpies take on Darlington at Blackwell Meadows.
This will be the second time the two sides will have met this season. After Chorley won 3-0 at home against the Quakers, the Magpies will be looking for a similar result again this time around.
The Opponents
Similar to the last time Chorley faced Darlington, the hosts for Saturday's clash are in some fine form.
Unbeaten in their last five games with four wins and one draw, the Quakers will certainly be looking for revenge.
Following their impressive run, Darlington have moved up into the playoff places and sit in sixth spot.
However, with teams around them (including Chorley) having games in hand, it will be interesting to see if they can maintain that position.
Will Hatfield is now the club's top goalscorer this season, having scored six goals so far.
The midfielder is closely followed by Cedric Main, who is on five.
Furthermore, as for the players creating these chances, Will McGowan leads the way with three assists. However, he is also followed by Scott Barrow and Matty Cornish, who are also on three so far this season.
The Manager
Steve Watson is the gaffer. Having taken over last year, Watson has been looking to build upon that season and so far Watson has done a fine job, from finishing 16th last season to in the playoffs and competing at the top.
Before Watson became a manager, he was a player with a fantastic football career.
He had stints at Newcastle, Aston Villa, Everton, West Brom, and Sheffield Wednesday.
After retiring from playing the game in 2009, Watson started his managerial career at Gateshead in 2017, where he was in charge for two years.
Following his time at Gateshead, the former Newcastle man made the switch to York City in 2019, where he would be in charge for another two years before moving to Chester, where the midfielder would be in charge for a year.
A word from Preecy
“Darlington are in a rich vein of form at the moment and Steve has really got them firing on all cylinders. We have had a good record against Darlington in recent years, particularly away, but they’re a different beast now to what they were, even earlier in the season when we met.
It’s a game that we’re looking forward to and will have to perform at our best, and highest levels in order to get a result.”
Ticket information
All information regarding online ticketing from Darlington including ticket prices and how to buy can be found below.
https://yourclub.darlingtonfc.co.uk/match-tickets
