After promotion last year, via the play-offs, the Quakers are hopeful once again of another successful campaign.

The two sides met in the FA Trophy two years ago with the original tie in Derbyshire ending in a 1-1 draw. In that game Darlington missed a late penalty to win the match, but were forced into a replay where penalties again would cost the Quakers. Darlington were 3-0 up at the break, but a Buxton side including former player Tim Ryan fought back to take the game to extra-time and penalties. Unfortunately, Bruno Pilatos and Curtis Edwards missed from the spot for Darlington, as we crashed out of the competition.

Ryan remains at Buxton, as a player, as well as being the assistant manager. Another ex-Darlington player, Ricky Ravenhill has also recently joined the club.

Ahead of the game manager Martin Gray looked towards the new campaign, “We expect the league to be better obviously, having said that we go into the league full of confidence having had three successful years since we've been involved with the club. I really believe we have to start the season well.

“We are really happy with the players we have brought in and they now have to go out and deliver. I have a lot of belief in the squad that we have put together over the last three years.”

Kick-off on Saturday at Buxton is 3pm