Story by Kevin Luff - 21st September 2006

Darlington set out to Shrewsbury Town on Friday morning as they embark upon yet another long distance away fixture. Quakers had to endure a marathon game against Premiership Reading in the Carling Cup during midweek where they were unfortunate to be knocked out after extra-time and penalties. The game against Reading will definitely force manager David Hodgson into changes.

Quakers have few options in defence to consider and it is almost certain that Hodgson will patch his side up as best he can. Hodgson has ruled out the signing of a loan player stating that he does not want to burden the club with another wage for what could only be a short amount of time. Darlington have made good use of the loan market in recent seasons to help them through their campaign but Hodgson has made it clear he does want to go down this route again for the current season.

In defence is where Darlington are suffering. Patrick Collins is already out injured and Joey Hutchinson will join him thanks to a calf strain. The player is still coming back from a serious injury and in an ideal world would have been rested for the game against Reading in midweek. However Darlington can rarely say they live in an ideal world.

Also on the sidelines is Brian Close. The former Middlesbrough player has done well in recent weeks but will miss the trip to Shrewsbury thanks to a hamstring problem. David Duke's red card in the cup tie earns him a one match ban which further complicates maters. Both Close and Hutchinson could be back for the game against Mansfield Town on September 26th if things go well.

Ville Vaisanen appears on course to make his second start in a Darlington shirt. The Fin enjoyed a solid debut at Peterborough two weeks ago in Quakers' 3-1 win but has been out of contention since with a hamstring problem. Shrewsbury are not without their problems as well. Keeper Ryan Esson is certain to miss the game on Saturday. The shot stopper has had a number of x-rays and has been found to have fractured his cheekbone. The player is now set for an operation. Meanwhile Andy Cooke appears to be doubtful with a groin problem. Whilst his condition is said to be better with so many games in such a short space of time he may not be risked.

The Shrews are in excellent form at the moment having thumped Stockport County 3-0 and Hartlepool United 3-0 as well. Shrewsbury find themselves a place outside the play-offs, level on points with Quakers going into Saturday's fixture. Gary Peter's side, like Quakers, were not far off the coveted top seven at the end of last season and will be hopeful of going a few places better this campaign. Despite the good away results of late Peters is keeping his feet on the ground.

"I'm not getting excited as I know how long and hard the season and we've got a lot more to do. It's two good away results which have put us up to eight and we've got a game in hand but we've got two tough games coming up with Darlington and Walsall," said the Shrews boss after the win against Hartlepool United last weekend.