DARLINGTON will receive a much-needed windfall after it was announced their League Cup first round tie is to be shown live on Sky Sports.

The Quakers entertain Leeds United at Neasham Road on Monday August 10 at 7.45pm.

The news that the television cameras will be in attendance more than makes up for the proposed pre-season friendly between the sides being scrapped because of the cup draw. The July game had been organised to raise money for the struggling League Two club.

Darlington went into administration in February with debts of £7,798,082, prompting a 10-point deduction. They missed out on a place in the end-of-season play-offs by seven points. Former vice-chairman Raj Singh has agreed a deal in principle to buy the club, and is hopeful it will be rubber-stamped imminently. There are still hurdles to be overcome, however, with the Football League reportedly requesting more information about the takeover before giving its blessing. A planned creditors’ meeting to approve the necessary Company Voluntary Arrangement has been put back to June 25.

According to Football League rules, a full board meeting must approve the CVA for the club to continue to play in the league.

The league were relaxed enough to include the Quakers in the new League Two fixture list, which handed them an opening game at Aldershot Town on August 8. The Quakers have announced three of their six pre-season matches, all to take place in the North East. They are: Billingham Town (a), July 10, 7pm; Blyth Spartans (a), July 13, 7pm; Newcastle United (h), July 18, 12.30pm.