MICHAEL Smith has revealed how his first goal at The Northern Echo Arena on Monday completed an emotional return to football for him and his family.

Few Darlington fans are aware that the 19-year-old striker was told just 18 months ago that he faced losing limbs and possibly even his life from meningococcal meningitis.

But the South Shieldsborn forward battled back from a disease which takes 135,000 lives worldwide every year.

His return was rewarded with a first home goal for the Quakers in the 3-1 win over Barrow.

In an interview for the club’s programme for today’s visit of AFC Wimbledon, Smith said: “When I was being discharged the doctors told me that I could have died or lost limbs.

“I was told my fingers and legs could have dropped off because of blood clots. If it wasn’t treated as soon as it was I’d never have played football again.

“My mam and dad visited my every day in hospital.

My mam was often in tears but I knew I had to stay strong. I knew I’d been given a second chance, and I was going to make the most of it.”

The full interview with Smith is in the matchday programme, on sale in and around the Arena before and after the match, priced £2.50.