Darlington return to Kendal Town tomorrow and do not expect any repeat of the repeat of the farcical scenes that led to their game in Cumbria on new Year’s Day being abandoned.

While players and supporters alike could see the pitch unplayable due to torrential rain, referee Paul Kettlewell made the bizarre decisions to start the game before inevitably abandoning it 15 minutes later.

It was the second time in successive seasons that Quakers’ trip to Kendal had to be rearranged, last season’s match being postponed an hour before kick-off.

Despite forecast rain today, the match is not thought to be in any danger.

“I was there on Tuesday for their game with Spennymoor and if anything the pitch looked dry, it looked like it needed some water,” said Darlington manager Martin Gray.

“Spennymoor started really well and scored a worldy. It was 3-0 and they would probably have battered them had Spenny not conceded two before half-time.

“Kendal weren’t bad, they played 4-5-1 and they can score goals, but they’ve conceded goals as well.”

Kendal have conceded ten goals in their last two matches, four to Spennymoor in midweek and six against Clitheroe last Saturday, the same day that Quakers hit top form with a 5-1 win at play-off contenders Harrogate RA.

Terry Galbraith bagged a hat-trick, though fellow midfielder Tom Portas also made a vital contribution, believes Gray.

“It was good to see Terry getting a hat-trick without scoring a penalty, because he normally takes them for us. But equally important was Tom Portas, because I thought he was excellent.

“They’ve got a good partnership now and they’ve got a few goals between them in the last few games.

“We’ve been creating goals from different areas of the pitch, which I’m delighted about.”

Both first-choice centre-backs, Chris Hunter and Alan White, return tomorrow having been unavailable a week ago due to injury and suspension respectively.

“Chris is fine and ready to go,” added Gray. “Alan White’s back and Gary Brown can play, so we’ve got a full squad to pick from.”

*Former Sunderland captain Kevin Ball will be the guest speaker at a sportsman’s dinner next month organised by the Darlington 1883 Fundraising Group.

Taking place at the Dolphin Centre on Saturday, March 21 at 7.30pm, as well as Ball also appearing will be comedian Josh Daniels.

The evening includes a three-course meal with tickets costing £35 each or £325 for a table of ten.