Droylsden Supporters’ Club chair Gary Owen said: "It was maybe half a dozen who stood at the Darlington end but on their own, away from the bulk of the fans. To me, they looked like a group who decided to use a weekend without premier league football to go down to Manchester, have a few pints and cause some trouble.
"They first ran on the pitch when Darlington were 1-0 up and looking good value. They had the ball in the net again but it was offside. They decision was given quickly but they came over the fence.
"Then, just before half time, Ben Deegan was sent off after a challenge on a defender who collided with Darlington keeper Peter Jameson who had to go off. At that point, a goal up and facing ten men, it looked like they had to win, but that was when it all kicked off.
"This time some Droylsden fans were involved but I have to say they were just defending themselves. Referee James Bell took the players off the field for around 15 minutes and the police were called. The people who ran on the pitch were escorted out of the ground to applause from both sets of supporters.
"It's a long time since I've seen anything like those scenes at the Butchers Arms but it would be wrong to speak of a riot. Ugly scenes would describe it better.
"As Droylsden Supporters' Club chair I'd like to praise the genuine Darlington fans who were clearly embarrassed by what happened."
Despite being down to ten men the Bloods came back to seal a memorable victory. Ciaran Kilheeney equalised and Kevin Leadbetter made it 2-1 with a stunning half-volley which Gary Owen said no keeper would have stopped.
Earlier today, Droylsden re-signed midfielder Stephen Hall, who has been playing in Canada - a move welcomed by Owen.
He said: "It's good that he's come back. I'd encourage people to take a look at us at the Butchers Arms. If they do they'll see a team very different to the one that was there last season - a team where they are all playing for each other."
Statement by Darlington 1883 FC
The board of directors wish to make the following statement following the game at Droylsden:
The referee suspended the game for 15 minutes towards the end of the first half due to a crowd disturbance involving a small number of people, some of which were from Darlington.
The club can categorically state that those involved from Darlington did not travel to the match with any organised or official supporters groups.
The club will work with the police and other authorities to investigate this incident and identify perpetrators of the disturbance from Darlington, and once identified the club will then take the most severe sanction available to us.
The club would like to receive, in strictest confidence, any information whatsoever which will help our investigation into this matter. Please contact us at [email protected]
DFC is proud of its community and family based support and will do everything we can to eradicate the very small minority who seek to tarnish the club’s reputation.