THE 11th-hour rescue of Darlington Football Club is due to take another step forward today as creditors prepare to vote on a deal to save the Quakers.

A meeting of creditors takes place at the club's Neasham Road stadium this morning, with a proposal by the Sterling Consortium under consideration.

The meeting was adjourned amid angry scenes last Wednesday, with the majority of influential creditors vowing to reject the company voluntary arrangement (CVA).

But, following hours of talks at the end of last week, former chairman George Reynolds and Sterling thrashed out a deal between themselves to ensure the club's survival.

Sterling agreed to drop bankruptcy proceedings against Mr Reynolds, in exchange for his crucial vote to go in their favour today.

High Court officials in Leeds confirmed that the petition issued by Sterling had been withdrawn.

Darlington's administrator, David Field, was last night scrutinising the deal agreed by the two parties.

But, as the largest creditors, votes from Mr Reynolds and Sterling would be enough to guarantee that the club's survives.

Sterling is expected to make a statement after the deal has gone through.

Darlington Supporters' Trust is waiting eagerly for the owners-in-waiting to reveal their plans.

Sterling financier Stewart Davies has previously said that new club directors could be taken from a consortium of local businessmen, headed by Mark Meynell.

Mr Meynell said last night: "Let's get the meeting out of the way and see where we're going to go from there.

"In our view, Sterling were the only people who could sort it out. We want to hear what they have to say."

Read more about the Quakers here.