Quakers goalkeeper Andy Collett is beaten by Danny Williams, the Kidderminster Harriers midfielder (out of shot) whose goal direct from a free-kick made him the first goalscorer at the Arena.

The goal came in the 50th minute of Darlington’s first game at the 25,000-capacity venue on August 16, 2003, a 2-0 win for Kiddie.

A crowd of 11,600 were in attendance for the occasion, the first game of what turned out to be nine seasons at a ground that became associated with some generally disappointing seasons, major financial issues and for possessing its own microclimate that meant even on the warmest of days the better prepared supporters dressed as though they were on an expedition to the North Pole.