Liddle could be involved at Southend

Quakers head south for their next league outing and it has the potential to be one of the most entertaining so far this season. Both sides occupy a play-off position ahead of the kick off and will want to keep it that way come the full time whistle.

Following a wobble over Christmas Darlington are now back on a roll and the words 'unbeaten in 2005' should tell you everything you need to know about Quakers' form so far since the turn of the year. Darlington's useful point against Northampton was followed up with three points against Shrewsbury and had it not been for Macclesfield's crushing win over Notts County during midweek Quakers would have gone into this fixture at roots halls just a single place behind Southend. As it turned out Macclesfield's win pegged Darlington back a place but a result at Roots Hall could Quakers move as high as fourth place.

In many respects the table have been turned on Darlington since their last game. While it was Quakers seeking some revenge against Shrewsbury last weekend Southend will now be looking to do exactly the same thing following the last meeting between the two sides. Darlington's performance back in October was one of the most polished all season and a repeat performance would certainly see Quakers onto three points.

Speaking on the club's official website Southend United manager Steve Tilson has called this game a make or break fixture for their season. Both sides its seems are anticipating a very difficult game indeed.

"We are playing against a top six side so it could be the make or break of our season," said Tilson. "If we are there or thereabouts after the next four games then we have a great chance," said Tilson. "Darlington are a good side, they are unbeaten in the last five or six games and they put four past us at their place earlier in the season so it's going to be a really tough game. They have Wijnhard and Armstrong with Hignett in behind who are all full of experience and still good players but we have home advantage and we'd like to think we can go and win."

While Southend are at the very top spot of the play-off chasing pack their results in recent league games have been disappointing. A 2-0 midweek win over Swindon Town in the LDV trophy will have helped but the fact remains that in their last three league games the hosts have taken just two points and scored only once.

The visitors do have a few problems on their mind. The most immediate of which is the injury to Curtis Fleming. The Quakers management staff are considering the recall of Craig Liddle following his return from injury and David McGurk could also potentially play a part along with fellow returnee Stephen Thomas. While Darlington do have to make changes to cover for the absence of Webster and Fleming Dave Hodgson and Mark Proctor do not appear ready to make wholesale changes which could disrupt the harmony or current form. Darlington's other injury concern is Clyde Wijnhard who may or may not make the fixture.

Southend meanwhile have a few injury headaches of their own. Mark Gower is rated 50-50 with a back injury and flu. Both Andy Edwards and former Quaker Jim Corbett remain sidelined but Fredy Eastwood will return to the starting line-up.

For all Darlington fans making the long trip down have a safe journey. For everyone else you can keep up to date on the game by tuning into Quakers World and listening to BBC Cleveland's Ray Simpson.

Last ten meetings

2004/05
League 2	Darlington	4-0	Southend	02-10-04
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

Southend's last five games