When Darlington beat Cardiff at Feethams in March last season, most fans viewed the three points gained as an unexpected bonus in the fight against relegation.

At that stage in the season, Quakers had another six games to play, two of which were against fellow strugglers, so avoiding relegation shouldn't have been too problematic.

But Gary Bennett's men proceeded to finish the season stuck in a spectacular spiral, losing every match and scoring just three goals in the process, and those points against promoted Cardiff proved an unexpected lifeline.

Quakers finished just four points ahead of basement club Barnet, scoring 44 league goals, the fourth lowest total in the division.

It was obvious changes had to be made and the summer has seen Bennett active in the transfer market, with the signings of midfielder Neil Maddison and striker Barry Conlon being the pick of the buys.

Other additions have been Danny Mellanby, Gary Pearson and Simon Betts from non-League Bishop Auckland, Durham City and Yeovil Town respectively, while Bennett tried unsuccessfully to bring Neil Wainwright to the club.

The crowd-favourite has been a wanted man at Feethams ever since his successful loan period 18 months ago, but persuading Sunderland to let the winger swap the Premiership for the Third Division has proved difficult.

Nine players from last season's squad have left the club this summer with Paul Beavers, John Williams, Gary Williamson, Jesper Hjorth, Jean-Michel Cau, Jordan Tait, Phil Naisbett, Abraham Keita and Lee-Paul Scroggins all passing through the Feethams exit door as chairman George Reynolds provides space on the wage bill for new squad members.

Much is expected of Maddison if the Quakers are to end the season anywhere near their fourth-placed finish in season 1999/00.

Maddison admits that joining his home-town club is a dream come true, but whether or not he can help turn the dreams of Reynolds and the supporters into reality remains to be seen.

He has been brought in to bring some stability to the midfield, where he'll take up a position in front of defence, as the hub of Quakers' attacking moves.

But after last season's flounderings in front of goal, the forward line was the area where Quakers really needed to strengthen.

Last season's leading marksman Glenn Naylor is out until at least Christmas, so it falls on the broad shoulders of Conlon to fill the boots of Marco Gabbiadini, a player who has never really been replaced since his departure 12 long months ago.

Robust frontman Conlon has worked hard in pre-season but he must deliver the goods where several of his predecessors have failed.

Bennett and his assistant, Mick Tait, know they must live up to Reynolds' high expectations by producing a successful team in what will be the chairman's third season at the helm, but the management duo will feel they have the backing of the board having been handed two year contracts.

However, the spectre of the club's new stadium looms larger, and as 25,000 seats aren't going to be filled by any Third Division club, promotion is a necessity.

Quakers move into the stadium on Neasham Road in a year's time, but Second Division fare must be on the bill if supporters are to buy into Reynolds' dream of Premiership football.

The chairman will demand his club moves into the stadium on Neasham Road on a high note

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