New Mills v Darlington Preview

New Mills v Darlington Preview

Darlington have the chance tonight to return to the top of the league table, as we travel to second...

Darlington have the chance tonight to return to the top of the league table, as we travel to second bottom New Mills.

The Quakers comfortably won 4-2 at home to Prescot Cables on Saturday, in a game where the margin of victory could have been much greater.

Manager Martin Gray was happy with his side’s performance, “It was a strong performance from start to finish on Saturday, but we need to be better defensively. There seems to be a lack of concentration at the back that is costing us lately.

"We must return to a clean sheet mentality. Tonight is another big game and we must make sure that we approach the game with the right attitude and mentality.”

 

An Adam Mitchell hat-trick along with a goal from Alan White saw Darlington claim the victory, although neither will be available for the trip to New Mills. Both saw red in the infamous clash with Salford City earlier this year and have been given further punishments for their actions after the game. Mitchell will just miss tonight’s game, while White will also miss Saturday’s trip to Warrington Town.

Defender Ian Watson did not play on Saturday due to a thigh injury and he will face a fitness test ahead of the game tonight. If he is unavailable Gray is likely to play Terry Galbraith again at left back.

Most of our title rivals also picked up maximum points at the weekend with Salford, Bamber Bridge and Spennymoor also winning. It means no real change at the top of the table with Darlington three points behind Salford with a game in hand. The Ammies play 24 hours after the Quakers when they visit Prescot Cables.

Despite their position in the league table, New Mills come into the game in form. Mills had previously lost eight games in a row, however, back-to-back wins in their last two games away to Warrington Town and Padiham have given them hope of avoiding relegation. They are now just three points behind Prescot Cables with both sides having eight games remaining.

The sides have yet to meet in the league this season, with New Mills due to make the return trip to Heritage Park on the final day of the season.