Story by Kevin Luff - 20th April 2007

Darlington face play-off chasers Wycombe Wanderers this coming weekend. Mathematically Quakers can still make the play-offs but with five points between Dave Penney's men and nine left to play for it would be an enormous achievement. It is a fact that the manager acknowledges.

Quakers have picked up only two points in their last five. Results in previous weeks have left Darlington in the hunt for a top seven finish but only by virtue of the fact that other teams have been equally inconsistent. A disappointing run of form over the Easter period finally appears to have killed off any likelihood of a high finish. However with seventeen players out of contract in the summer Darlington players still have something to play for.

"It is going to be a long shot," said Penney. "There are nine points left and Shrewsbury have a game in hand. We play Wycombe and Stockport at home so at least there is something on those games. Even if we are not involved in the play-offs at least they are not dead games. Players still have something to prove so I wouldn't say it's done and dusted but it is looking harder and harder every time we drop points."

Despite Darlington being very much on the back foot at this late stage in the season Penney is not taking the final three games likely. With Wycombe Wanderers and Stockport County to visit the Arena before the end of the campaign the Darlington boss is refusing to write off the remaining games knowing his side can at least influence the final make up of the top play-off pack and will continue to field a strong side.

"The two teams that are due to come here have something to fight for. We could play some youngsters and have a look at them but I think at this moment in time we need to do our best to pick up points against the teams that are above and around us. We'll pick the right team to win the game, whether they are experienced or not," said Penney.

The visiting Chairboys are equally out of form and like the end of the previous campaign have found themselves slide out of the promotion frame. With only one win in ten Paul Lambert's side finds themselves two points outside of the play-offs but crucially Shrewsbury Town have a game in hand.

Wycombe have enjoyed an eventful season. A League Cup semi final tie against Chelsea saw the League Two side give a very good account of themselves before bowing out. Prior to the second leg at Stamford Bridge Wycombe found themselves with a massive six point gap between themselves (then in sixth place) and then seventh placed Stockport County. As is the case though for many sides the fantastic cup run has impacted league form and since that memorable run against the eventual winners Wycombe have won just three times.

Darlington could be without Gregg Blundell for the game with Wycombe. The forward picked up a dead leg during training and is now a doubt for the fixture. Meanwhile Tommy Wright, who is due to serve the last game of a four match suspension, has sprained his ankle in training. Clark Keltie, Tim Ryan, Lee Jones and Carlos Logan are all out until the end of the season. Forwards Alun Armstrong and Gaetano Giallanza came through reserve games and could be in contention for a place on the bench.

"Rory Prendergast kicked him in training on the back of his calf," confirmed Penney. "We didn't think it was too bad but it is taking a bit of time to settle down. We'll have to see how he is today and maybe Saturday. We also have Tommy Wright missing as well so we need as many strikers as possible. Alun Armstrong and Gaetano Giallanza played in the reserves so they are coming back to fitness."

Darlington's match with Wycombe Wanderers kicks off 3pm.