Story by Kevin Luff - 18th August 2006

David Hodgson's side play the first of two games against League Two's pace setters. Darlington will be aiming to bounce back from last weekend's defeat to Boston United with a positive result over Swindon Town (currently lying in second place) before visiting Walsall the following Saturday (currently lying in first place). Darlington themselves have started the season well but their unbeaten record came to an end at York Street when they met Boston United.

Hodgson heads into this fixture with a few things to ponder. The notable signing of Julian Joachim brings its own selection problems with the current forward line of Martin Smith, Barry Conlon and Gaetano Giallanza all doing very well in the opening three games. The biggest issue which will undoubtedly force Hodgson to reshuffle his cards is an ankle injury to Clark Keltie. The midfielder has struggled to shake off the knock during the week and he is a major doubt.

The Darlington boss however has little worries though as Kalusivikako Ngoma can move to his more natural central midfield position if Keltie is unable to play against Swindon this weekend. This could well free up another place further up the park. Either way Hodgson is confident his changes in midfield (enforced or otherwise) will not have too much bearing. Darlington's only other doubt was Martin Smith but the former Sunderland man has recovered from a tight hamstring according to Paul Gough the club's physio.

"He picked it up on Saturday down at Boston," said Hodgson speaking about Keltie's ankle injury. "He woke up on the Sunday morning very sore and he has struggled to break it down this week. At the moment he is our only real doubt. Don't get me wrong he has done fantastic but it is Kalusivikako's natural position. So I would say if we lost Keltie it would be a miss but Kalusivikako can do a job straight away."

Swindon have made an excellent start to the season recording wins over Hartlepool United on the opening day of the season and then following it up with results at home to Barnet and Rochdale. Despite this manager Dennis Wise is anticipating a tough test when he brings his side to the North East for the second time in the opening month.

"Darlington will be a difficult game for us. They will be up there at the end of the season looking to get promotion and they are a big club for this division," said Wise. "We knew the two opening away games would provide us with a test. It's nice to see the different ways that teams come out and for example; I think Barnet showed us too much respect by playing 4-5-1 here against us. It's up to my players to break them down and I have been pleased with the chances we have created. Some teams will be open, some won't but we are showing the players how to deal with different situations."

Swindon Town's management due of Wise and former Chelsea team-mate Gus Poyet have both handed themselves squad numbers in the run up to this game but neither of the pair appear likely to make an appearance at the 96.6 TFM Darlington. Wise admits he has an issue with his ribs and that at present he would not be able to justify making any changes to the side having recorded maximum points in the first three games of the season.

"I'm not close at the present moment. I have had a bit of a problem with my ribs and am still feeling the effects of that really. However at the present I don't think I would get in the team, which is what we wanted when I came here," said Wise. "Gus had a slight problem with his calf so he isn't in contention at the moment, but has started training again. I'll also be stepping up my fitness over the next few week."

The match this weekend kicks off at 3pm. Officiating the match will Mr Ilderton. Running the lines will be Mr Curry and Mr Tiffin. The fourth official will be Mr Quinn.