By Martin Walker

Craig Liddle says he wass "chuffed to bits" with the support shown at Darlington's game against Fleetwood on Saturday.

Despite an unlucky 1-0 defeat, Liddle admits it was an emotional day, but he was delighted with the backing he and his players received from everyone inside the Northern Echo Arena.

"It was always going to be an emotional day for the supporters because they have been through a lot," said Liddle.

"Myself and the players have too, but for the supporters it's their club and I was speaking to somebody earlier who was saying it had been his life for 60 years.

"I was chuffed to bits with the turn out It was staggering that so many people came to support us in difficult circumstances.

"Right from the moment I arrived at the ground there was a buzz and an excitement and they backed the players and myself right until the end. The players got a standing ovation and rightly so, that was fantastic.

"You don't often get an ovation after a defeat, but that's twice in a row that's happened now and I don't want to get used to that.

"Everyone was hoping for a fairytale result, but I can't fault anyone. They did themselves and the club proud."

See Liddle's post-match reaction with BBC Tees on Quakers Player now - click here