Quakers aim to lift spirits – weather permitting (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Quakers aim to lift spirits – weather permitting

9:49am Monday 28th December 2009

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Darlington hope to end the most miserable of years on a positive note at home to Lincoln City this afternoon but the match is subject to a morning pitch inspection.

After suffering two recent postponements Quakers are keen for a return to action, especially having put so much work into clearing snow off the pitch.

Club staff and supporters have worked around-theclock to clear snow from the pitch and surrounding areas to give the game the best possible chance of going ahead.

Although the playing surface at The Northern Echo Arena has been cleared of snow and the pitch was yesterday reported to be in a playable condition, the forecast was for overnight subzero temperatures. An inspection will take place at 9.30am.

Should the game be called off it would become Quakers’ third consecutive postponement having lost last week’s home game with Northampton Town and Saturday’s game at Rotherham United.

The Boxing Day fixture at the Don Valley Stadium was called off and no date has been announced for the rearranged game.

If today’s encounter falls victim to the arctic conditions then Quakers could be facing up to a repeat of the fixture backlog that, combined with administration, hampered Darlington towards the end of last season.

Manager Steve Staunton will today be able to call on defender Ian Miller after the centre-half recovered from a hamstring strain. Defender Mark Bower has had surgery to resolve an ankle injury, while Paul Arnison, who was in line to start last Saturday’s postponed game with Northampton, is expected to play today.

While Staunton’s side were without a fixture on Saturday – meaning they have not played since the 5-0 defeat at Torquay on December 12 – Lincoln were at home to Chesterfield.

Lincoln, now managed by ex-Blackburn and Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, won 2-1 to secure their first three points in ten league games.

The victory was enough to lift the Imps one place up to 21st, leaving Cheltenham third bottom who are 12 points ahead of Quakers.

Supporters are reminded that should today’s game go ahead the West Stand will be closed for safety reasons.

Meanwhile, former Darlington midfielder Clark Keltie has left Rochdale by mutual consent having been overlooked all season. He has not featured for Dale since April, and this season has been sent for loan spells with Blue Square Premier sides Chester City and Gateshead.

Darlington (probable): Liversedge; Arnison, Hall, Miller; Hogg, Harsley, G Smith, J Smith; Thorpe, Collins.

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