Story by Kevin Luff - 11th August 2006

Darlington head to York Street looking to record their third straight win of the new Coca-Cola League Two season. With wins against Macclesfield and a tough trip to Accrington Stanley already out of the way and with maximum points to boot David Hodgson's players go into this match extremely confident of continuing their good form.

"The lads are in a good frame of mind, put it that way," said Hodgson this afternoon before departing for Lincolnshire. "I think they are thinking like we are thinking - this year we have to make sure this club puts itself on the map once and for all and go and get something."

Darlington's start to the new season has been very encouraging and Quakers have demonstrated that they are unnerved at the level of expectation surrounding them this campaign. This is demonstrated by Darlington climbing to the submit of League Two after just one game and maintaining that position with a 2-0 win over Accrington Stanley in midweek. Whilst the squad will be experienced enough not to get carried away Hodgson has made sure of his by reminding his side there is much to do.

"I think you have to remind them," said Hodgson who is keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite the exciting start his team have made. "That is part of management, you have to reiterate to them what you expect. The good thing however so far is that whatever we have said they have gone out and got on with it."

Boston United meanwhile have yet to record a point following a 3-2 opening day defeat to Grimsby Town and then a 1-0 defeat against Peterborough United. The Pilgrims however have made slow starts the last few seasons and finished in more than respectable places at the end of the season. Despite having yet to register their first points of the 2006/07 season Boston manager Steve Evans is not expected to make massive changes and is asking for much of the same from his players in the run up this encounter.

"It is important that we stick to our principles of keeping the ball on the floor and that we continue with our passing game," Evan's told Boston United's official site. "Over the season, I am adamant that it will prove to be the better option and ultimately the results to match will follow. My players and I are hurting from the last two results and their performances in both did not deserve a return of no points. We have been working hard to put things right and we are confident that if we can eradicate the individual errors, which can't be legislated for, we will give Darlington a very hard game."

Darlington are set to make just one change. Defender Shelton Martis is set to leave the club for Hibs and as a result is not likely to play any part at Boston this weekend. As a result Darren Holloway will step into his place in defence and make his first full start since arriving during the summer. The Pilgrims meanwhile are unable to call upon Anthony Elding as he is still sidelined through suspension and midfielders Simon Rusk, Richie Ryan and Brad Maylett are not yet fit to return from injury.

"Our squad for the Darlington visit will be very much the same as the opening two matches, because the lads have played exceptional football and secondly, we have no other options," said Evans. "In under two weeks' time, I should have Brad Maylett, Simon Rusk, Richie Ryan and Anthony Elding back available, so that will be like having four new signings. It will also create much-needed competition for places. At present, we need a little bit of luck or a run of the ball to go with the outstanding football that we have played. Darlington will be difficult opponents, but at any time you play the league leaders, you should be more than up for it."