QUAKERS ARE NEW SHAKERS IN TAKING BIG PRIZE

MARATHONBET has been scouring the NonLeague pyramid with one aim – celebrating the extraordinary.

The bookmaker has been looking for this season’s best goal celebration, and after a hotly-contested public vote, now has its 2018 winner.

Darlington inherited this season’s crown at this month’s National Game Awards to claim an impressive £20,000 cash prize and friendly game on home soil against a team of former Premier League legends this July in the process.

The Quakers have their star striker Reece Styche to thank after his graceful swan dive in the snow from the Quakers’ freezing encounter against Chorley back in January proved to be the most popular celebration with the voting public.

National League North outfit Darlington now follow in the footsteps of Wealdstone (2016) and Corby Town (2017) in hosting a glamour tie against a whole host of famous names at their home ground, Blackwell Meadows, on Sunday July 29.

Styche’s ice-cool antics won the majority of the vote, fighting off stiff competition from Aldershot Town in second and Leamington in third. Other shortlisted clubs were Brackley, Grantham, Maidenhead, Needham Market, St Albans, Whitehawk and Worthing.

Darlo will now welcome Sir Geoff Hurst to the north-east this July as they look to secure the coveted Non-League Challenge Trophy. The England 1966 World Cup hero will manage a glittering team of former top-flight internationals including Kieron Dyer, Wayne Bridge, Joleon Lescott, Chris Waddle and Danny Mills in the allstar fixture.

In addition to this year’s bumper £20,000 cash prize, Darlington will receive 90% of gate receipts from the game, with the remaining 10% donated to charity.