Evo Stik Division One North
Lewis Nightingale has left Farsley for Darlington. Picture: Mark Gledhill
Lewis Nightingale admits it was hard to leave Farsley Celtic after his “best season”, but the chance to move to Darlington 1883 was too good to turn down.
The midfielder’s move to the former Football League club was announced on Monday night. Nightingale, who ends his second spell with Farsley, has enjoyed a magnificent campaign, throughout which he attracted interest from several clubs.
“It’s the best season I’ve had in Non League football, managed to get 20 plus goals and a fair few assists and to finish with the individual awards and getting into the (Evo Stik) team of the year was a massive bonus,” Nightingale said.
“It was difficult to leave Farsley, I have had two good years there and improved as a player. They’ve brought the best out of me and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there but when an opportunity to join Darlington comes around you can’t turn it down.
“The size of the club and fan base was massive. The club are going in the right direction and it seems like a great club to be at. I’m looking forward to being part of it and testing myself at that (National North) level.”
Lewis Nightingale in action during the 2013 charity match
The season is over, but Nightingale is busy planning his annual charity football match in aid of Cancer Research UK. He manages a side against one put together by his two brothers James and Oliver.
The likes of Paddy Miller, Josh Grant, Paul Walker, Ross Daly, Conor Sellars, David Brown and Tom Morgan are expected to turn out for Nightingale’s team.
The match is on Saturday 21st May at 1pm at Rawdon Old Boys FC.
He said: “Last year we raised around £2,500 so this year to match that or even go beyond it would be a fantastic achievement. It’s the sixth year we’ve held the game now and long may the success continue.
“We have a raffle which will be drawn after the match, there’s plenty of refreshments and there is just an excellent atmosphere for people to enjoy and game of football and raise some money for such a good cause.”
People can donate on the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Lewis-nightingale.