Keith Curle, Mansfield's manager

Quakers hit the road once again this week for only their second away game in mid week so far this season. Dave Hodgson's men can forget about the trials and tribulations of the league calendar for one night as Darlington take on the Stags in the LDV first round tie.

Over the years Darlington have rarely made a big fuss over the LDV trophy. The last couple of seasons have seen the club go out at the first round and judging by Hodgy's post match comments after the game at Macclesfield little looks set to change. With the league being Dave Hodgson's priority changes are expected ahead of the game and Alun Armstrong is not set to feature having suffered from blisters in the last match.

Mansfield as well have a history of leaving the LDV games down their list of priorities. The last three seasons have seen defeats in all of their first round matches at the hands of Stockport County, Crewe and Blackpool. One thing is for certain, both sides will not want a long drawn out game. Both Quakers and Stags will feel that they have more to their season than a run in the LDV trophy but non the less it is a fixture they both must fulfil.

Dave Hodgson has hinted changes ahead of the game. With the league being the 'bread and butter' of the club it could well offer the chance for some of the fringe players to impress. Whatever team Dave Hodgson does decide to field they will be given a tough test at Field Mill. The Stags have lost just once at home all season and had an equally good home record in their last campaign.

Darlington's record at Field Mill is less than impressive. The last time Darlington pulled off a result Marco Gabbiadini and Jesper Hjorth were scoring the goals. The LDV could offer a chance to re-address the balance. But with an important game at home to Southend United on Saturday and some much needed points required to be added to the board one may not be too concerned about addressing that balance just yet.

For those travelling to the match tomorrow night you will be pleased to note that tickets for the encounter have been reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Have a safe journey down and enjoy the game.

Last ten meetings

2003/04
Division 3	Darlington	1-0	Mansfield	10-04-04
Division 3	Mansfield	3-1	Darlington	04-10-03
2001/02
Division 3	Mansfield	4-2	Darlington	16-02-02
Division 3	Darlington	0-1	Mansfield	13-10-01
2000/01
Division 3	Mansfield	3-2	Darlington	01-05-01
Division 3	Darlington	2-1	Mansfield	02-12-00
1999/00
Division 3	Mansfield	1-2	Darlington	26-02-00
Division 3	Darlington	0-0	Mansfield	18-09-99
1998/99
Division 3	Darlington	5-1	Mansfield	06-02-99
Division 3	Mansfield	0-1	Darlington	05-09-98

Mansfield's last five games