IT may have ended up there by default after a long hard struggle, but Darlington Football Club’s Northern League adventure has so far been a positive one.

The inclusion of The Quakers has injected interest and money into the league and supporters have followed their club with dignity as it begins what we hope will be a climb back to the Football League.

It is, therefore, a matter of great regret that West Auckland Town AFC has decided to double admission charges from £5 to £10 for its fixture against Darlington on November 10.

The argument that the increase is to finance extra stewarding is hard to swallow.

Darlington’s appearance will bring an estimated 1,100 extra fans to West Auckland and at least half of them will buy food and drink. The income generated should be more than enough.

It is hard to escape the conclusion that this is a case of cashing in on a rare opportunity and we understand why Darlington fans are angry.

Some are planning to boycott the game and there is talk of a protest outside the ground.

There is a clear danger of conflict being created if that protest goes ahead and we urge supporters to rise above the understandable temptation to make a stand.

We also hope other clubs in the Northern League do not follow West Auckland’s example – and, instead, accept the benefits of having Darlington in their league at face value.