Story by Kevin Luff - 4th April 2006

Quakers will head to Rochdale tonight as they play their game in hand. The game had once again been in doubt due to the condition of the Spotland pitch, which had rugby played on it over the weekend, however the weather appears to be favourable and the game has every chance of going ahead tonight. Rochdale have already lost numerous games this season due to the surface at Spotland and Dale manager Steve Parkin is desperate for the game to get played.

"Hopefully we will get the game on, but as we have said many times this season, it's in the lap of the gods," Parkin said yesterday on the club's official site. "The pitch is very heavy and I think everyone at the football club is disappointed the rugby club played on Saturday. The groundsman didn't think it was fit, but the game still went ahead and put our game on Tuesday in doubt. Hopefully the weather will stay bright and breezy and we have no rain, but if it doesn't we are going to be in trouble."

Rochdale were not in action on Saturday due to Carlisle United's trip to the Millennium Stadium for the final of the LDV Vans Trophy. Parkin used the free date to take a trip to the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena and check out how Quakers got on against Lincoln City. The Rochdale manager admitted he was impressed by what he saw.

"I was impressed with Darlington, they played well especially in the second half. They deserved to win the game, though I'm sure Lincoln will be a little disappointed with the way they played," said Parkin. "It will be a tough game for us, but we are desperate for games to come now. People look at the league table and see we are three games behind many teams in the division which is unheard of. Normally at this time of the year if you are behind in your fixtures you catch up, not go further behind. We haven't had anywhere to train properly over the last couple of days. We came in on Sunday to do a session at Bowlee, but it was very, very heavy. Our preparation has been hampered for Tuesday's game, and it's not an excuse."

Darlington returned to winning ways at last in their match against Lincoln City which has given them half a chance at the play-offs again. Quakers are unlikely to make too many changes to the side that beat Lincoln 4-2. Midfielder Jonjo Dickman looks set to miss out with an ankle injury and if the management team decide against too many changes there could be another start for youngster Mark McLeod. The game could also once again see the 4-3-3 system used which bought much success against Lincoln however Darlington will have to adjust their game for the pitch.

"After such a morale-boosting win we'd be fools to tamper with it," said assistant Mark Proctor. "We've been pretty dry in that area which has cost us points so it was a pleasant surprise to score four at the weekend. We saw them at Carlisle and they went 4-3-3 there so we decided to match up with them."

Dale have a fully-fit squad to choose from with defensive duo Alan Goodall and Simon Ramsden back in contention after injury. Goodall will be forced to wear a special face mask if he gets the nod as he continues to recover from a fractured cheekbone, while Ramsden is available after hamstring trouble. Lee Cartwright, Scott Warner and Ben Kitchen are all vying for starting roles as Parkin's side look to edge closer to clinching League Two safety. The game kicks off at 7.45pm.

Last ten meetings between Darlington and Rochdale

Rochdale's last five games

28-03-06	Rochdale	P-P	Barnet	League 2
25-03-06	Bury	2-1	Rochdale	League 2
21-03-06	Rochdale	3-0	Grimsby Town	League 2
18-03-06	Rochdale	0-1	Wrexham	League 2
11-03-06	Macclesfield	1-3	Rochdale	League 2