Craig Hignett scoring the equaliser at Dale in September

Boxing day brings Rochdale to the Williamson Motors Stadium as Quakers look to start a gruelling few days of football. Darlington will be looking for much the same type of performance as the one they offered against Boston United the previous weekend but a better result and in truth if Dave Hodgson and Mark Proctor's men do that they will be on course for something out of the game.

Mark Proctor admitted the Boston result was something they would just have to cope with and is focusing their attentions on the Rochdale game. He agreed that if you ponder too long on a performance and a result like Boston it can lose focus of the next game.

"We've got to grin and bear it really. The performance was spot on," said Proctor. "We thought in our opinion we dominated the game, possession wise created good enough chances to win the game and they scored three goals. The majority of the goals were all against the run of play the way the game was shaping so although we were very disappointed, we were three games unbeaten, to go there and lose it in that manner was frustrating because we felt we deserved something from the game."

Quakers face a series of fixtures in a short space of time and traditionally the Christmas period can make or break a side's season. Mark Proctor shares a similar line of thought and thinks the upcoming games are critical.

"We've got something like four games in nine days over that festive period," said the Darlington assistant manager. "I think it's a critical time for us but I think if we can a decent points total from that twelve points it should keep us in that top seven environment which is what we are trying to achieve."

Rochdale into the game on the back of a draw against Bristol Rovers and a surprise defeat against Kidderminster Harriers but after a slow start to the season they are part of a group of teams delicately poised around the middle of the table. Rochdale manager Steve Parkin knows the game will be tough but thinks if his side is well motivated they can cause problems.

"They've had some good results of late and they are up there in the top half of the table. They have Hignett, Winjhard and Armstrong, a strike trio of good experience and you know they are going to be dangerous," said Parkin on the club's official website. "But on the other hand I feel if we are well prepared and well motivated then we are a match for anybody. The festive season is one were people are going to parties and enjoying themselves, but it's an important time for footballers to get motivated, focussed and be disciplined."

Darlington have no fresh injury worries ahead of the game. Neil Wainwright is back in the frame after recovering from a virus. Meanwhile Rochdale boss Steve Parkin will welcome back Ernie Cooksey and Gareth Griffiths after suspension. Striker Paul Tait will be forced to sit on the sidelines after earning himself a one-match ban and he could be replaced by on-loan Taiwo Atieno.

Darlington have of course already met Rochdale once this season. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Spotland with Craig Hignett grabbing his first goal for the club with a very late equaliser. On home turf however Darlington will be looking for a better result and after two successive good performances and results at home there is no reason why not.

Off the pitch the club is hoping for a bumper crowd. School children will get into the game for free and car parking until 2pm is also free of charge. Meanwhile beer and lager is also available for a £1. Combined with how close Rochdale is there is every chance Quakers could be looking at one of their biggest crowds of the season.

To all those exiles making the trip and of course Rochdale fans we wish you a safe trip and of a happy Christmas as well.

Last ten meetings between Darlington and Rochdale

Rochdale's last five games

18-12-04	Rochdale	0-0	Bristol Rovers	League 2
11-12-04	Kidderminster	2-1	Rochdale	League 2
07-12-04	Shrewsbury	0-2	Rochdale	League 2
04-12-04	Stevenage	0-2	Rochdale	FA Cup
27-11-04	Rochdale	2-0	Boston United	League 2