Richardson returns for Quakers (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Richardson returns for Quakers

7:23pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in Football By Craig Stoddart, Deputy Sports Editor

Darren Richardson is the only change to the side as Darlington bid to record their ninth successive win this evening at home to South Shields.

He comes in at left-back for Dan Smith who suffered an ankle injury during the early stages of Saturday’s 7-1 win at Billingham Town.

Richardson, who came off the bench at Bedford Terrace, has started only one game so far, the 5-0 win over Consett last month.

During their eight-match winning run Quakers have scored 31 goals – one shy of a four-goal average – and conceded only seven.

In contrast, over their past eight matches South Shields have conceded 29, winning twice and losing five times.

The Mariners are third-bottom on seven points while Quakers are top, six clear of Spennymoor Town who are at Bedlington Terriers this evening.

Referee: David McCallum

Darlington: Norton; Harrison, Brown, Tait, Richardson; Emms, Scott, Gott, Nicholls; Thompson, Amar Purewal. Subs: Morris (gk), Johnson, Gregan, Clough, Reay

South Shields: Courtney, Ford, Donaldson, Bell, Talbot, Marshall, Chapim, Anzevui, Feasey, Sweeney, Allison. Subs: Burnell, Kane, Robinson, Smith, Burnicle