Darlington fans are being urged to get behind their trophy- winning football team and give them a hero’s welcome tonight.

A civic reception is being held this evening to honour the team’s FA Trophy triumph.

However, the Quakers faithful at this evening’s ceremony will have to be content with a slightly damaged version of the cup after the club was unable to get it repaired in time following an accident involving keeper Sam Russell.

On Saturday, the Quaker’s beat Mansfield Town 1-0 at Wembley thanks to a lastminute extra-time goal by substitute Chris Senior.

Shortly after the final whistle and during the celebrations, Russell accidentally dropped the lid of the cup, snapping off the decorative silver figurine.

A spokesman yesterday said that the club was hoping to get the lid repaired tomorrow, but the cup would still accompany the team to the civic reception. About 10,000 fans were at Wembley to see Senior’s goal. It is hoped those fans, along with many who were not able to make the trip to London, will attend this evening’s reception in Darlington market place.

There will be fun and activities in the town centre, with a stage run by radio station TFM from 5.30pm.

At 6.25pm the mayor of Darlington, Councillor Bryan Thistlethwaite will give a welcome to the team followed by a short address by event sponsor Teesside University.

The team will then arrive with the trophy.

Coun Thistlethwaite, said: “We are looking forward to a really great afternoon.

“Please come along to join in the celebration and welcome the team home following their FA Trophy victory.”

Following the presentation, the team, along with civic dignitaries will make its way into the Dolphin Centre for a reception.

Team manager Mark Cooper said: “We are looking forward to it. Saturday was a very special day for Darlington FC, and this civic reception is not only a chance for everyone who was there to relive it, but also for those who couldn’t make it to come and see the trophy.”

Feethams/Church Row will be closed to traffic from 10am to midnight today.

The closure will be from the junction with Tubwell Row to the junction with Houndgate.

Bull Wynd, Horsemarket and East Row will also be closed from 5pm to 7.30pm.

During road closures, those services that currently stop on Stand M on Tubwell Row will move to a temporary stop on Crown Street outside the Aspire Pub.

The No. 77 will only stop on Tubwell Row on its way out to Mowden.