Hignett should be back for the Darlo

Darlington play host to Southend at the Williamson Motors Stadium and will be looking to get back to winning ways after an encouraging run out in midweek against Mansfield in the LDV trophy.

Southend, like Quakers, struggled the previous season and during August it looked like another struggle lay ahead for the Southern outfit. However an improvement during late September has seen the Shrimps move up to eleventh in the table. Southend have won five of their last six games with results over Macclesfield, Rushden and Diamonds, Notts County and Kidderminster Harriers in the league.

The visitors will come into the encounter in good spirits after a good result over arch rivals Colchester United in the LDV trophy. Firing them into the second round of the competition from the penalty spot in a shoot out was former Darlington loan player Jimmy Corbett. Ironically Corbett's first touch sent his side through having only been on the pitch four minutes. Speaking on their official website he revealed how nervous he was.

"It was my first touch of the ball," said Corbett. "I was really nervous at first but when I got to the spot I knew I wasn't going to miss. I didn't want to let everyone down who had played the full match but I was happy to score. I haven't been playing in the side regularly this season which is my main aim but hopefully that goal is a little reminder to the fans that I am still about."

Corbett has only made thirteen starts since his move to the South in 2003 and he knows it is going to be tough getting back into the side now that Southend are beginning to get results. "The manager knows that I am still about but with the team doing so well at the moment it's going to be hard for me to get back in; - but when I get my chance hopefully I will take it."

Darlington's last meeting with Southend came near the end of last season at Roots Hall. It was certainly a game to forget. Having led by two goals to nil Quakers were rolled over 3-2. Darlington's meeting then was vitally important and while the result that day was disappointing Darlington did more than enough to beat the drop in their remaining games. In a way this game is just as important. Darlington have improved since their draw against Northampton Town but have been unable to get the right result. Darlington are three points away from the pack around the foot of the table and Darlington could do with recording a win to help steady the ship, especially with a difficult trip to Oxford United the following Sunday.

Darlington will welcome back Craig Hignett and Alun Armstrong. Meanwhile Craig Liddle who missed the midweek trip to Mansfield Town will be back in the side despite having picked up slight knock to his shoulder. Quakers have the home advantage in this fixture and over the years it has served them very well. Southend have not won at Darlington since the 1980/81 season and Dave Hodgson's men will be looking to extend that run for another season.

Last ten meetings

2003/04
Division 3	Southend	3-2	Darlington	12-04-04
Division 3	Darlington	0-0	Southend	30-09-03
2002/03
Division 3	Southend	2-0	Darlington	11-02-03
Division 3	Darlington	2-1	Southend	30-11-02
2001/02
Division 3	Darlington	2-2	Southend	19-01-02
Division 3	Southend	1-0	Darlington	11-18-01
2000/01
Division 3	Darlington	1-1	Southend	03-04-01
Division 3	Southend	1-2	Darlington	26-08-00
1999/00
Division 3	Darlington	1-0	Southend	19-02-00
Division 3	Southend	1-2	Darlington	27-11-99

Southend's last five games