Former Sunderland academy defender Patrick Almond is hoping to help Darlington in their promotion push after joining the Quakers on dual registration terms. The 20-year-old centre-back made just one first-team appearance for Sunderland, in the EFL Trophy win against Manchester United U21 in October 2021, before being released by the Black Cats earlier this year and his future in the game looked under severe threat when he suffered serious injuries in a car crash just weeks later.
However, after making a full recovery, Almond joined Northern Premier League East Division club Shildon in November and made his return to on-field action in a 1-1 home draw with Grimsby Borough. He could now play a role in the Quakers bid for promotion into the National League and had admitted he will help Alun Armstrong’s side in anyway he can as he returns to the National League North for the first time since spending time on loan at Blyth Spartans last season.
He told Darlington's official website: "It was a learning experience going from academy to this league [with Spartans]. It was unexpected I would say.
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"It was more physical, technically it was very good, it was a mix of both really. It has matured me as a player greatly.
"It's a blow getting released from anywhere, but I am looking to pick myself up and the only way is up I guess. The injury hit me back but it was nice to get back on the pitch and start wherever.
"They helped me, I helped them, it was just nice to be back out on the pitch. I would be happy to help anyway I can.
"Obviously, if I play, I play, but I'm just happy to help, whether it's training or games, whatever is needed of me."
The cancellation of the five FA Trophy third round ties involving North East clubs means supporters will get an unexpected early Christmas present with all five games rearranged for this week. Darlington’s short trip to Spennymoor Town, Blyth Spartans visit to York City, Marske United’s home tie against Marine and Gateshead’s International Stadium meeting with Gloucester City will all take place tomorrow night.
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