Darlington hope to have again added to their squad before tomorrow evening’s match with Curzon Ashton.

Manager Martin Gray signed midfielder Lewis Wing from Seaham Red Star and striker Steve Johnson has returned from Shildon for the remaining nine games of the season.

Both were unused substitutes during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Northwich Victoria, when Gray changed to a 4-4-2 formation, a decision based partly on the lack of players unavailable due to injury and suspension.

Chris Hunter, Alan White and Leon Scott were all out of action, and Gray said: “You’ve got to recruit and we’re still looking to bring bodies in before Wednesdays, but it’s hard because clubs are reluctant to let their better players go.

“We’ve got Stevie Johnson back which is great, a breath of fresh air around the changing room.

“Lewis is an attacking midfield player, a young lad that we’ve been watching for quite a while this season.

“I’m pleased to bring him into the squad, it’s just a shame we couldn’t get him on the pitch on Saturday, because it was so tight, but he will play his part.”

Striker Nathan Fisher was used on the right of midfield on Saturday, and Gray added: “I thought Fisher was excellent. Some of his play was really good.

“He hasn’t started a game for a long time, but he did ever so well.

“The formation came down to personnel as well because we’ve lost a few players. It’s not as though we played a formation that we haven’t played all season, or going to three at the back and changing everything. We’ve got the flexibility to change if we need to.”

Gary Brown sustained a minor thigh strain during the warm-up on Saturday while Joe Tait required lengthy treatment before half-time, though was able to continue.

“You sometimes have a bit of bad luck with injuries, but Joe’s a tough lad,” added Gray. “He got up and I thought the pair of them at the back put in another good performance.”

* The Northern Echo will play a friendly against Quakers fans’ team Uncovered FC tonight at Blackwell Meadows, the home of Darlington RFC. Kick off 7.30pm. Spectators welcome. The clubhouse bar will be open before, during and after the game.

Players must pay to play in the game with all proceeds going towards the Back to Darlo fundraising initiative.