Darlington are trying to tempt stay-away fans to return to The Northern Echo Arena by slashing prices for their next league game.

In a one-off promotion the game at home to Tamworth on Tuesday November 9, fans can buy tickets for just £5.

The move is designed to encourage old and potentially new supporters to the Arena as the Quakers look to boost their home attendance which have averaged at 1,858 this season.

But it will also hopefully give Mark Cooper’s side additional support in what will be a crucial Blue Square Premier game.

Chairman Raj Singh said: “We’re trying to encourage as many fans to the Arena as we possibly can, whether that’s those who used to come and don’t any more, or even any potential new supporters.

“We’ve been criticised for not doing these kind of offers before now but I’ve always felt we owe it to our season ticket holders not to devalue the package they shell out for at the start of the season.

“But I’m sure they’ll understand and appreciate that, with crowds lower than we’d envisaged, we need to do what we can to encourage people back to the Arena.

“Dropping the Tamworth tickets to £5 is a bold statement.

It would be fantastic to see a big crowd at the Arena, generating an atmosphere and really getting behind the team.”

The £5 match ticket represents a substantial saving on the usual £18 ticket for games at the Arena, and manager Mark Cooper, who used to manage Tamworth, has hailed the initiative.

Cooper said: “The bigger the crowd, the better atmosphere and that can only help the players out on the pitch.

“We’re in need of a little spark at home. Our season ticket holders nailed their colours to the mast at the start of the campaign but we’re asking them to get behind this initiative by encouraging their friends and family to come along, and let’s get as many fans as we can back to the Arena.”

The £5 Tamworth ticket applies to all supporters with no concessions, and are available from the club’s ticket office, or call 0871 855 1883.

Darlington are also planning a cut-price family ticket for the Crawley game on Saturday, November 13 when they’re holding a family day, in partnership with the Supporters Club, which will include children’s competitions, a fancy dress parade and a fun ride. A one-off family ticket will cost £25 for two adults and two children.