THE 14,200 supporters who were at the Reynolds Arena yesterday have given Darlington Football Club a fighting chance of survival.

Yesterday's proceeds will help ensure that the club will fulfil its fixtures until the end of the season. And for that, a debt of gratitude is owed to manager David Hodgson for his efforts in attracting such star-studded line-ups.

The future of the club beyond the summer, however, remains uncertain. Yesterday's record crowd does not alter Darlington's perilous position.

It is clear that without a significant level of investment to settle debts and provide funds to meet everyday running costs, the club will fold.

And it will be a mighty struggle for the administrators to find anyone prepared to take on a club which is facing a battle to avoid relegation from the Football League and unable to achieve sufficient income through the turnstiles to pay its bills.

The onerous task for the administrators will be helped if the team is able to pick up points over the next three months to avoid the drop into the Conference.

In addition, the people of Darlington need to demonstrate just how much they value being represented in the Football League.

The size of the crowd at the Reynolds Arena yesterday suggested that there is the will in the town to see the club through this crisis.

It one thing to turn out a sunny Sunday afternoon to watch the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Kenny Dalglish. It is another thing to make the effort on a rainy Saturday to watch a dour Third Division encounter.

But if the club is to survive and is to attract investors, then the Reynolds Arena has to have gates significantly above those it has had so far this season.

A demonstration of faith by the people of the town is required, starting with the game against Rochdale on Saturday.