Darlington welcome Oxford United tomorrow as they look to climb onto sixteen points for the season. In order to do that Quakers must turn a recent spate of draws into a victory. Whilst neither manager Dave Hodgson or assistant boss Mark Proctor are overly worried by the results of late the pair have acknowledged it during the week, indeed the manager simply wants to see his young players continuing to make the progress they have already shown this season.

"We are doing well, but would like to turn some of the draws into wins. Oxford have not started the season all that well, but have some good players and we expect another difficult game," said Mark Proctor in the Evening Gazette today.

Darlington's side could well be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Sam Russell from injury. Having come through training sessions this week the first choice shot stopper could be set for his return. Mark Proctor has also hinted that there could be a change afoot in midfield as well. Considering the impression Anthony Peacock has made since coming into the middle the change could well be with Jonjo Dickman who suffered a knock on his ankle during the Mansfield Town game last weekend. Matty Appleby is looking to push his way back into the side and could figure in some part during Saturday's game.

Oxford United meanwhile have injury worries ahead of the game. Midfielder Chris Hargreaves has been ruled out the game. The O's captain was struggling in the second half at Bristol Rovers with a pain in his ribs, and after closer examination this has now been diagnosed as a punctured lung. Meanwhile the visitors also have doubts over Stuart Gray. The player landed uncomfortably in a challenge at Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night and damaged ligaments in his ankle.

The news of these two missing players will come as a blow for Oxford United who are currently finding life in League Two rather tough going. With just one win so far (over Torquay United) Quakers will be looking to take full advantage. With only two points on their travels this season Darlington will be favourites going into the match and it will be a good chance to see if one of the problem areas of last season has been resolved. Taking points of struggling sides last season was clearly Darlington's problem and having proved that they can match the high flyers in the division this is where they need to make it count.

Last ten meetings

2004/05
League 2	Darlington	1-1	Oxford Utd	08-01-05
League 2	Oxford Utd	1-2	Darlington	10-10-04
2003/04
Division 3	Darlington	2-0	Oxford Utd	17-04-04
Division 3	Oxford Utd	3-1	Darlington	01-11-03
2002/03
Division 3	Oxford Utd	1-1	Darlington	14-01-03
Division 3	Darlington	0-1	Oxford Utd	17-08-02
2001/02
Division 3	Oxford Utd	1-2	Darlington	20-04-02
Division 3	Darlington	1-0	Oxford Utd	10-11-01
1966/67
Division 3 Old	Oxford Utd	3-2	Darlington	15-04-67
Division 3 Old	Darlington	1-2	Oxford Utd	19-11-66

Oxford United's last five games