Petta - out with a hamstring injury

Quakers are on the road for the first time this month as they head for Grimsby. Last weekend's win over league leaders Yeovil Town has put Darlington back in the play-offs and with a good shout of the third automatic promotion spot. The outcome of the season is now firmly in their own hands and with this in mind Quakers will go into this encounter with the aim of bringing three points back to the North East and hopefully mounting a good run for the remainder of the season.

Quakers are without Clyde Wijnhard for this game as the forward received his marching orders against Yeovil late on. This leaves a spare space up for grabs in the forward line and it will be contested by Craig Russell and Craig Hignett. So far the signs point to Craig Russell being involved from the off as Hignett has not featured for a while and has been unable to turn out for the reserves since there was no fixture this week.

Darlington's second Dutchman will also be missing from the game. Bobby Petta picked up a hamstring injury and will sit this one out. However he could be replaced by Jason St Juste. Another slight worry is Jonjo Dickman who is suffering from a slight ankle injury so he could potentially be replaced by Adolfo Gregorio or Adrian Webster.

Dave Hodgson hinted at Russell's inclusion on Thursday. He and Mark Proctor will have made their final decisions by now but Proctor is warning that everyone else has to be quick from the off.

"They both have different qualities, and we will decide today," said assistant manager Mark Proctor in the Evening Gazette. "But whichever plays, he and the rest of the team must be fired up. Grimsby play at high tempo, and in our last away game, when we started badly we got well beaten. But we've since won twice, and this is a huge game. If we make it three in a row it is a sign that we might be finding consistency at the right stage of the season."

Craig Russell himself did come close to scoring his last game against Boston and received a good reception from fans during the game and speaking in the Northern Echo he says he appreciates it.

"The fans gave me some great backing and it was touching because everybody knows I've had a bit of stick but I respect that, it happens in football," said Russell. "I've done it myself stood on the terraces at Sunderland, I'll not name any names but we've all done it - I understand that it happens, so it was great when they were singing my name. The Darlington fans have had some poor years recently but we've got some quality players at the club so understandably expectations are higher."

Darlington last met Grimsby on the opening game of the season and went on to win by a single goal. A late strike from Ian Clark was enough that day. Since the opening day Grimsby have had some mixed results and with Grimsby six points off the play-off pace a defeat on Saturday would really make it hard for them.

The win over Yeovil could be a catalyst for what is left of the season however a result on Saturday depends largely on which Darlington side show up. A win is even more important when you consider that Quakers play host to Kidderminster the following Saturday and are hoping for a bumper crowd. The effect of a result against Grimsby should not be understated.

Grimsby will be without defenders Simon Ramsden and Jason Crowe, who both have ankle injuries. Meanwhile Stacy Coldicott is suffering from a calf problem and there is also a a chance Justin Whittle will miss the game. Finally and Terry Fleming is suffering from a back problem.

To all those travelling to the game have a safe trip and for those not able to make the journey remember Quakers World for full match commentary with Ray Simpson live from Blundell Park.

Last ten meetings

2004/05
League 2	Darlington	1-0	Grimsby	07-08-04
1988/89
Division 4	Darlington	1-1	Grimsby	04-04-89
Division 4	Grimsby	0-0	Darlington	14-02-89
1987/88
League Cup	Darlington	2-1	Grimsby	26-08-87
League Cup	Grimsby	3-2	Darlington	18-08-87
1978/79
Division 4	Grimsby	7-2	Darlington	16-01-79
Division 4	Darlington	0-1	Grimsby	09-09-78
1977/78
Division 4	Darlington	1-2	Grimsby	14-01-78
Division 4	Grimsby	2-0	Darlington	20-08-77
1971/72
Division 4	Grimsby	2-0	Darlington	04-03-72

Grimsby's last five games