Darlington supporters may get a Christmas treat on Boxing Day if they see more of exciting French ace Nelson Mota.

The winger impressed during his appearance off the bench last Saturday, showing some flair on his debut as they sought an equaliser against Radcliffe Borough.

Mota had to wait for his debut due to a couple of postponements, but his showing at the weekend after replacing Adam Mitchell, whose performance was subdued, has put him in line for a first start when Scarborugh Athletic visit Heritage Park on Friday (3pm).

“He’s got ability, natural ability,” said manager Martin Gray, whose side disappointingly drew 2-2. “He’s a little bit different and he livened the game up with some great bits of skill and produced some good crosses.

“He’s working with us in training and we’ll see how he goes.”

Although undefeated in 13 league games, Darlington have drawn their last two matches at Heritage Park against opposition they were excepted to take maximum points from.

In Quakers’ previous Heritage Park match before Radcliffe’s visit, Clitheroe took a point in a 1-1 draw, two results which have contributed towards Quakers losing their grip on top spot.

On last weekend’s draw, Gray said: “It wasn’t our best performance. It was a little bit ragged, a little bit undisciplined. We started the game poorly and conceded two sloppy goals, which is out of character for us. It was a rude awakening, going 2-0 down.

“The attitude and desire of the players to keep going was there. We didn’t really play any fluid football. Their keeper was man of the match, he made some massive saves in the last 20 minutes and we hit the woodwork.

“Disappointed that we dropped two points, but it could’ve been worse.

“I want to get back to winning ways on Boxing Day against Scarborough when there’ll be a big crowd and we’re expecting Scarborough to bring a few across.

“Hopefully we can put on a fantastic performance and get three points.

“We’re one point off the top with two games in hand. We’ve put ourselves in a great position over the last few months and we’ve got to make sure we build on it over Christmas.

“We need to take as many points as we can at Christmas to make sure no team builds a lead at the top like Curzon did last season.”

*There will be no public transport to the match on Boxing Day, however, the bus run jointly by the Supporters Trust and Cleveland Bridge Social Club, will make additional pick-ups.

Departure times: 1:40pm North Road (Bensham Road bus stop); 1:42pm North Road (Thompson Street bus stop); 1:45pm North Road (Morrisons’ bus stop); 2:00pm Cleveland Bridge Social Club; 2:10pm Dolphin Centre; 2:15pm Cockerton Library; 2:20pm West Auckland Road (opposite Westgate Crescent).

The return fare is £5 adults and £3 for juniors (16 and under). Advance bookings only. To reserve a seat call or text 07808-900031 stating your name and pick-up point. Alternatively email secretary@darlotrust.org. The return journey begins 15 minutes after the final whistle.