Matty Appleby's return to Barnsley may have ended in defeat but he left Oakwell on Saturday having enjoyed a trip down memory lane at his former club who welcomed him back with open arms.

Appleby is fondly-remembered at Oakwell where, after leaving Quakers in a £200,000 move in 1996, he played over 150 games and was part of the team which won promotion to the Premiership in 1997.

After the game he was even invited to return for a match as part of their Oakwell Legends scheme which sees them welcome former players to home games. On Saturday former Quakers star David Speedie was the day's VIP while ex-Darlington and Barnsley defender Paul Cross has also been given the red carpet treatment at his hometown club this season.

Appleby was part of the Barnsley team which shocked Manchester United at Oakwell in the FA Cup fifth round almost eight years ago, but there was to be no giant-killing this time around though he did enjoy a warm reception from the home supporters who chanted his name at the beginning of both halves.

"It was a nice reception from the fans," said Appleby who went to Oldham from Barnsley in January 2002 before rejoining Quakers last season.

"It was my first game back at Barnsley in four years and I have a lot of happy memories of the place.

"I was here for six years, played a lot of games and during my time at Barnsley I think I did quite well for the club.

"I don't know if I am a legend though! But I did my bit to get them into the Premeirship which was a big deal for the club."

Darlington started poorly on Saturday but gradually fought their way back and ended the game on top, going close on a number of occasions and Appleby says Quakers deserved to take the game to a replay.

Appleby said: "We came out with all guns blazing in the second half without creating too many chances but we had the better of the game and deserved at least a draw.