Darlington Preview

[Woody Wilson]

City receive a massive boost ahead of their first visit to the Reynolds arena with the return of Jon Parkin. Parkin's season has been ruined so far with injury and suspension, however he is fit and free to take his place in the travelling party after serving the 4 game ban he picked up for his straight red card at Scunthorpe. His return has added importance with the absence of Richard Hope as he is suspended for the trip after collecting 5 yellow cards. Parkin is therefore likely to cover in defence rather than being re-introduced to the attack with there being 5 other fit strikers battling it out to start. Another contender for the defensive place Leigh Wood, who seems to have recovered from injury and has proved himself a more than capable player in this position in earlier games.

Other news is the likely return of Mitch Ward who has missed the last 3 games with a thigh injury. It was picked up in the 2-1 FA cup defeat to Barnsley, and has been a niggly one but Mitch seems to have overcome it and is confident of a place in the squad for the Quakers clash. Aron Wilford however looks doubtful after picking up a knock in training, and Levent Yalcin is still on the injury list. However better news for boss Chris Brass is that Steven Downes has returned to training after a knee ligament damage, but is unlikely to make the squad as he regains match fitness. Also Christian Fox is likely to be included after coming through a reserve match unscathed.

Possible team - Ovendale, Brass, Smith, Wood, Merris, Edmondson, Ward, Bullock, Dunning, Shaw, Parkin.

Darlington boss David Hodgson can welcome back both Danny Mellanby and David McGurk after their suspensions, and Craig James is set to continue in defence after his impressive performances on loan from Sunderland.

However one problem Hodgson does have to deal with is a goalkeeping crisis after Andy Collets replacement loanee Ross Turnbull was recalled to his club Middlesbrough for a youth tournament. Turnbull had only made one previous appearance for Darlington and managed keep a clean sheet so the loss is a big one for the Quakers to swallow. The only keeper that is left on the books now is Michael Price.

Other bad news for Darlo is that Danny Mellanby needs a back operation and could well be out for the season, and Clark Keltie is suspended for the game, so Ian Clark is expected to start instead of him

Barry Conlon and Ryan Valentine were also sent off at the weekend however their bans shouldn't start in time for them too miss the clash with the Minstermen.

Form Guide - City - Scunthorpe(A) 0-0 D, Cheltenham(A) 1-1 D, Doncaster(H) 1-0W, Leyton Orient(A) 2-2 D, Swansea(H) 0-0D.

Darlington -Bury(H) 1-3 L, Oxford(A) 3-1 L, Lincoln(H) 0-0 D, Swansea(A) 1-0 L, Scunthorpe(H) 2-2 D.


Last Meeting - CITY 1-1 Darlington

City were quick to take advantage and grabbed the lead on 16 minutes. After his initial corner was returned, Darren Dunning centred again and Liam George nipped in front of his marker to send a near post glancing header in at the far upright.

A goal to the good, City continued to pass and move with increasing assurance.

But Darlington were proving nobody's pushover and over the course of the first 45 minutes probably just shaded possession and created the clearer chances.

Aron Wilford hacked a Barry Conlon header off the line after Ovendale produced his brilliant one handed save to deny another Clarke downward header from point blank range.

Just as half-time beckoned, Darlington grabbed the equaliser they probably deserved. The Quakers snatched possession as City pressed and Neil Wainwright broke away down the left.

The ball was switched to Ashley Nicholls out wide on the right and his vicious curling cross was met sweetly by Conlon, who scored his now traditional goal against his former club - it's four in four - with a thumping header.

Related links:
Away travel information to Darlington

YorkCityFC.com Prediction League

Darlington Official Site
Tinshed - an unofficial Darlington website
DFC online
Darlington Message board

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