Craig Dove - Worked with Proctor at the Riverside

Quakers are off on their travels again this weekend as they start a tough set of fixtures for the November period. This month sees Darlington play games against Lincoln, Cheltenham and of course Rushden and Diamonds. With only the smallest of margins between the teams and the gap between a possible play-off place so small these games could very well go a long to deciding what the season holds for Dave Hodgson's men.

Like Quakers the Diamonds find themselves in the mid table spot for what it is worth. With teams so closely grouped in the division a team in the middle of the table will not stay there long if they lose a couple of games or win a couple of games.

Rushden and Diamonds will have two former Boro kids in their ranks for the game. Mark Proctor knows them both well and admitted in the Evening Gazette that they have the ability to cause the visitors problems. Defender Gulliver and striker Dove both worked with Proctor during his time at the Riverside.

"I played a big part in them moving there as I recommended them to the Rushden manager in the summer before I joined Darlington," said Proctor. "They have enough ability to climb back up the divisions. But I find is surprising that while Premiership academies produce some very good players, a lot slip out of the game altogether. I've seen quality players who don't even go on to play in the Northern League, so I'm pleased that Phil and Craig are still in the professional game. It's a different world in the lower divisions, and sometimes young players find it too physical to handle. But obviously these two don't, and I hope that on Saturday night I'm not regretting helping them get fixed up there."

Despite the two former Boro players the Darlington assistant manager believes that this is a fixture Quakers can win. "However I think this is a winnable game for us, if we set the standards we are capable of," said the Darlo number two. "But it certainly won't be easy, because Rushden will have been given a big lift by scoring five last week."

The 2002/03 champions received a boost last weekend as they beat lowly Notts County 5-1 at Nene Park. Despite the result however the goals have hardly rained in for Diamonds. Quakers meanwhile could name an unchanged side for the match as they look to gain their first win at Nene Park. However Neil Wainwright will also be vying for a start after coming on as a substitute in the previous game.

For all those travelling to the game this weekend have a safe trip. Anyone who is not able to make the game full match commentary is available on Quakers World with Ray Simpson in charge as always. Full match report to follow the game as well here on the official site.

Rushden's last five games