Dedicated Darlington fans have rallied-round to fund the wages of new goalkeeper Chris Porter.

He signed a pay-as-you-play deal last Friday and kept a clean sheet just 24 hours later in the draw with Swansea. But chairman George Reynolds is very reluctant to spend any more money on players this season and has refused to pay Porter.

After Tommy Taylor appealed in yesterday's The Northern Echo Sport for someone to come forward and cover the £150 a game wages, internet site Darlo Uncovered (www.darlofc.co.uk) began appealing for sponsors and so far £705 has been pledged.

Web-master Scott Thornberry explained: "Some fans thought it was wrong for us to bail the club out whilst we have a multi-millionaire owner, and especially after the departure of a few players, the money made in the FA Cup and the sell-on clauses that have been paid to the club.

"We want success just as much as George and now the fans have put their money where their mouths are. The club have asked for some help and we have shown we are here to help and not just to criticise. We can all work together and take this club forward."

Taylor was delighted when he heard the news.

"That's brilliant, absolutely superb. The game was only two days ago so to get that money together is excellent," he said last night.

Taylor says he would like to pay Porter £150 per game, but with £705 already raised that amount should easily be covered.

If you would like to assist, go to the Darlo Uncovered web-site or contact The Northern Echo on (01325) 505090.

* A Darlington reserve side, including the man who Porter has replaced, Keith Finch, were walloped 8-1 at home to Stoke City last night - and it could've been more.

The visitors struck a post, had a shot cleared off the line and an attempted lob from the half-way line sailed just inches over the Darlington crossbar.

Also in the Darlington side were trialists Steven Leadbitter and Paul McGee, both of whom were substituted at half-time.

Darlington: Finch, Harper, Morley, McGee (Sheeran 46), Collins, Smith, Convery, Campbell, Leadbitter (Keltie 46), Mellanby, Rundle. Subs not used: Ellenden, Hughes, Bond.

Read more about the Quakers here.