Darlington’s fixture tomorrow will be their first National League North home game since receiving Premier League funding towards new floodlights.

The Quakers face Alfreton Town at Blackwell Meadows, where they endured a number of issues with the floodlights in recent seasons.

On three occasions lights had gone out unexpectedly during matches, almost causing abandonments.

Their previous floodlights were more than 20 years old, however, an £18,000 grant has enabled Darlington to improve their facilities, installing a more efficient LED system.

Darlington Chief Operating Officer David Johnston said: "It was obvious from the interruptions to our matches in 2022 and 2023 when the floodlights unexpectedly went out almost causing abandonments, that we needed to upgrade our floodlights system.

“Furthermore, it was becoming quite clear that they were falling below the League's ground standard, which would have meant enforced relegation if they weren't replaced.

“Our early research suggested a replacement set would be a heavy cost burden on our fan-owned club, so therefore the funding from the Premier League Stadium Fund was crucial and much-appreciated.

“This system easily meets the criteria for our league and the one above, and therefore will help us progress as a club.”

The Premier League Stadium Fund is the largest provider of grants towards projects that help improve the comfort and safety of lower-league football grounds in the country. It awards capital grants to eligible English Football League, English National League System, and Women's Football Pyramid clubs to improve stadium safety and enable clubs to satisfy The FA’s ground-grading requirements.

The new LED floodlights will ensure consistent and reliable lighting, meeting the required ground grading lux levels and improving visibility for fans and players alike.

The club has also received help for funding from the Darlington FC Supporters Group and Darlington Rugby Club.