Story by Kevin Luff - 27th November 2006

Darlington entertain Mansfield Town tomorrow night in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Having dispatched higher division Tranmere Rovers in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, Dave Penney's first game in charge as Darlington boss, Quakers will be hopeful of pushing on into the northern semi-finals.

Penney will be forced into a number of changes for the game as he looks to cover the gaps. Injuries, suspensions and the need to give players a rest will all be on Penney's mind ahead of the game. Whilst the Darlington manager is understandably keeping his cards close to his chest he is set to make a number of changes to side for this encounter.

The most notable modifications to Penney's side will be in the centre of defence. Mark Albrighton is unavailable due to playing in the competition for Boston United and this will mean another new partner for Patrick Collins in the heart of defence. Also more than likely to make a start is winger Carlos Logan and striker Julian Joachim is set to figure as he looks to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury.

"Carlos (Logan) is chomping on the bit for a game," said Penney this afternoon. "We have been monitoring Julian (Joachim) and easing him back in gently so it is about time for him to start a game. He might not finish the game but at least it will give him a good hour and gradually build him back to fitness. It gives others a chance to come in and show me what they can do."

Quakers are in excellent form at the moment. Since Penney's arrival Darlington have won five straight games in all competitions and this is something, regardless of the competition it is in, he wants to continue. With several players also coming into the fray for this tie Penney admits it is a chance for some to stake a claim for a regular first team place.

"You want to win every game. Even if it is five-a-side you should want to win it and tomorrow will be no different," said Penney. "Winning games breads confidence and we want to carry that on. People often dismiss this competition in the early rounds but if you reach the semi-finals then suddenly everyone fancies a trip to Cardiff or wherever it is held. We are no different and we want to carry this run on. The players who are coming in to freshen it up no doubt have a point to prove."

Having enjoyed a good October visitors Mansfield Town have only recorded one win in November. As a result the Stags find themselves down in seventeenth place in League Two. Saturday saw Mansfield fall to a 2-0 away defeat to Rochdale. Penney is mindful of this latest result and knows that manager Peter Shirtliff will be looking for a response from his players going into this game.

"There is a long way to go. There are tough games to come. Mansfield will not be easy. They had a poor result on Saturday so I am sure their manager will be looking for some kind of reaction. We have to make sure we start brightly and correctly."