Story by Kevin Luff - 15th September 2006

Darlington will be hoping to make it nine points from their last three games with the visit of Bristol Rovers to the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena. Quakers have won their last two games and appear to be back on track. A win over the Pirates would surely make it a fact. Bristol Rovers however will provide a stern test as always.

Form though is not on their side as the Pirates have yet to record an away win this season. So far the only point Paul Trollope's team have got on their travels was the single point against Torquay United on Wednesday night. Hodgson though is not expecting anything other than a difficult test.

"They've got Lambert and Walkers on the front line. They've got others as well. Maddison has done all the team work on them and will be giving the lads the run down on what to do and what not to do. Any game, if we do not go into it and get a hold of it, will be difficult games. That's what we have to do tomorrow," said Hodgson.

The win over Bury on Tuesday night was a hard fought affair which Darlington eventually edged thanks to a penalty. Quakers had the better chances during the match and should have won it from open play with forward Barry Conlon rattling the crossbar from a lovely breakaway move. Darlington boss David Hodgson felt Quakers' support at the Arena played an important part in the victory. Hodgson commented after the game with Bury that the fans were patient and he will be hoping that they will be in a similar mood for Saturday's game.

"I thought the drum guy got it going and kept it going. At one point I looked around and I saw people in our area clapping and trying to join in with everyone else," said Hodgson. "Any club, if the fans are right behind their side, are positive then it helps everybody. I played at the best club in the world and you had a point start because they never stopped supporting you from start to finish. If our fans are in that sort of mood tomorrow then it helps us get another victory."

Quakers have few injury concerns going into this game. Hodgson continues to be without midfielder Clark Keltie who is recovering well. Ville Vaisanen is unlikely to figure in this outing and Gaetano Giallanza serves the second match of a three match ban. Darlington have no fresh concerns going into this fixture. Hodgson is, as always, keeping his plans close to his chest but it would not be surprising to see an unchanged side should no last minutes problems arise in the build up.

Bristol Rovers will be without the suspended James Hunt, who is banned after his sending off at Torquay. Reports suggest that Lewis Haldane may come back into contention for a place in attack, rivalling Rickie Lambert and Richard Walker for a starting spot. Refereeing Saturday's encounter is Mr Boyeson. Assisting him will be Mr Greenwood and Mr Wallace. The fourth official will be Mr McCallum.