Darlington... In Focus

Darlington have long been the “nearly-men” of League 2. Always tipped to do well, consistently having fine wins, often making big money signings and, alongside Notts, with the finest stadium in the division. Yet they remain just that, nearly men.

Penney... Has to overcome inconsistencies

This season, they were once gain tipped for a successful time, particularly so since Dave Hodgson was replaced by Dave Penney, who had brought considerable success at Doncaster Rovers. Under Hodgson, despite more big names arriving in Barry Conlon and Julian Joachim, the Darls started poorly, but Penney has transformed them to become embroiled in yet another Playoff race.

He has recovered from the inconsistent start his predecessor oversaw. In August they won three and lost three of their fixtures, whilst September heralded a massive five draws.

Penney took charge in October, and he immediately transformed the outfit, with a 100% record in December propelling them into the Playoff race.

In stark contrast, December has started poorly. After November, which saw them in eighth, four defeats in four, once in the Fa Cup, sees them again slipping out with the old inconsistency creeping in.

The main current problem is the lack of goals from the strikers. Joachim, signed for a massive, in today's transfer funds, £100,000 from Boston United has notched only five goals, with returning hero Conlon pitching in with just the six. Alun Armstrong, who played in the Premiership earlier in the decade, has scored just twice.

Manager: Dave Penney

League position (on December 18^th 2006): 11^th

Smith... Having a great season

Top goalscorer: Martin Smith has scored eight from the right side of midfield.

Goals for: 28

Goals against: 29

Player of the season so far: Smith has been vital due to the misfiring strikers, whilst Neil Wainwright's form has also been good.

V Notts: Last Saturday Notts went to Darlington and picked up an impressive 1-0 win courtesy of Alan White's late header. Darlington come to Meadow Lane on the penultimate day of the season.

Drapes' Prediction: 8^th. They will be nearly men once again.