HITTING the bar is not usually a recipe for success in football. But Darlington Football Club's players have been doing just that - and it went down a storm with fans at the Quakers' stadium in Neasham Road last night.

Several of the team's stars, accompanied by chairman Stewart Davies, mingled with supporters in the five bars around the stadium after the Quakers' 2-0 victory over Stockport County.

Fans young and old eagerly greeted them, clamouring for autographs, and their heroes were more than happy to chat to them at length.

The unusual, but popular, idea is the brainchild of Mr Davies, who is determined to bring football at Darlington back to the fans - and has more in store.

"We are trying to bring football to the community, to the fans," said Mr Davies.

"We really want to make Darlington more of a community club.

"The players want to associate with the fans, so here we are. I'm delighted with how things have gone tonight."

Mr Davies also unveiled plans for a competition where children will be given a board which they need to fill with cards of their favourite players. The players themselves will hand them out.

"If they see a player after the match, or their parent or friend does, they will have to ask for a card," he said.

"There will be a competition to see who can get a full set first, and there will be prizes for people who can collect a full set."

Last night's post-match events proved popular with players and fans, with both agreeing it was an excellent move.

Player Adrian Webster said: "It's a good idea, we don't mind doing this. We did it at the end of last season, we like having a bit of crack with the fans."

Staunch Darlington supporters Nick Woodward, 19, Iain Braithwaite, 18, and Garry Mann, 19, swapped thoughts about last night's victory with the players.

"This is a good idea, everyone gets to talk to the lads," said Nick.

"It's a good move for the club, it's making it more friendly, more approachable."

Iain added: "We're really confident for this season, we're going for automatic promotion."

Neil Peacock, 14, and his 11-year-old brother, Andrew, are regulars in the West Stand, and were delighted to meet their heroes.

"It's a good idea," said Neil. "It's good having all the players in here, and the chairman was really nice to us."