Story by Kevin Luff  - 25th September 2006

Darlington continue their gruelling set of fixtures with a relatively short trip to Mansfield Town. Quakers secured a point at the weekend with a 2-2 against Shrewsbury Town and will be now looking to push on and try to get three points. The hectic schedule refuses to make things any easier for the Darlington who are still looking at a somewhat depleted squad for this game.

Defenders Joey Hutchinson, Brian Close and Patrick Collins have all failed to recover from their respective injuries. Darlington though will be boosted by the return of David Duke from a one game suspension which he picked up for his red card at Reading in the Carling Cup second round a week ago. The former Swindon player may have to settle for a place on the bench.

Quakers' boss David Hodgson was impressed with David Rowson at Shrewsbury Town. The defender played at right-back which would be the most likely position for Duke to slot into. With Hodgson more than pleased with Rowson's contribution he has hinted towards leaving the side unchanged for the trip to Field Mill. This would see forward Barry Conlon on the bench for a second game running.

Mansfield find themselves three points off the bottom two going into this game and have won only twice at Field Mill so far this season. The Stags, like Darlington, got a 2-2 draw at the weekend. Mansfield came from behind to lead 2-1 but where pegged back with five minutes to go by the visitors. Mansfield also missed two spot kicks during the game. The home side had enough chances to wrap the result up felt their manager Peter Shirtliff who was left rueing the passed up opportunities and questioned some of his player's decision making abilities.

"It was a very strange game and we had an unbelievable number of chances to go on and win it. We should have won it, end of story," said Shirtliff. "I can't understand some of the decisions made by my players. The bottom line is if you don't take chances and score goals you don't win games. We have scored two goals at home and that should be enough. We have not kept a clean sheet this season in the league and that is a massive concern. I have told the players there is no point moping about it. We have another game on Tuesday and there is no time for anyone to feel sorry for themselves."

Whilst Darlington still have a few injury concerns going into this game so do the home side. Defender John Mullins is said to be a doubt with an ankle problem. The former Kidderminster player lasted just over half an hour of the frustrating home draw with Accrington. Mullins did not train with Peter Shirtliff's squad on Monday but could still be in contention to face the Quakers, pending the result of a late fitness test. Meanwhile fellow defender Jon-Olav Hjelde will also be assessed close to kick-off, but his chances are rated less than 50/50 due to a knee injury combined with a groin strain. Midfielder Simon Brown is definitely out with a knee problem.