North-East to host Christmas cracker

Last updated : 24 December 2007 By Gary Moss
Just when you started to forget about football and get well into the Christmas spirit - it's back. And so is League Two with another 12 festive fixtures.

It's a bit of an old cliche but the busy Christmas period can make or break your season and it couldn't be any more true Notts at least.

Three ties against sides in the top five of the division could end in glory or
Penney...Joining the title race
disaster for McParland's County men.

Three defeats and fans can really wave goodbye hopes of a late play-off bid but a win or two against the likes of MK Dons or Rotherham may just give the Magpies the lift they need to surge up the table in the New Year.

It is no different in other areas of the league either. Just when we though we looked destined for a two horse title race, Darlington went to Lincoln to hand a Christmas pasting - reminding everyone what Dave Penney's men are capable of.

As for neighbours Mansfield, Billy Dearden could make his New Year's resolution to make a trip to the job centre every day.

The Stags are in desperate trouble and the boss may have to make the most of his  place in the dug out this week as it could be his last. Peterborough and Accrington are set to visit Field Mill and the pressure could not be greater.

For many Christmas is a time to sit back and relax - in League Two there are more important items on the agenda though.

Game of the day:
Darlington v Rotherham

Darlington have gone along a tad un-noticed in this years title race.

But with the Dons dropping points at the weekend and the Quakers crui
TFM Arena...Quaker fortress
sing to victory just six points seperate the sides while Darlo have two in hand.

They need to play catch up and it doesn't get any easier for the third placed outfit on Boxing Day either as they prepare to entertain in form Rotherham.

The Millers have been in rigorous form sicne their 3-1 home win over Morecambe back in October.

Mark Robins' men have won eight of nine since then and have shooted up the table to fifth.

But that run won't bother the Quakers too much who have the meanest defensive record in the league conceding just ten in all - and a staggering four at home.

No side has taken maximum points from the Darlington 96.6 TFM Arena so far this season while Rotherham themselves have been defeated only once on the road this term.

Some may say these sides would settle for a draw had it not been for Christmas. These two teams will be desperate to bring a festive cheer to their fans.
Foran...Form man

The Quakers will be looking to make it six straight league wins without conceding despite losing the services of Tim Ryan.

He could be a lengthy absentee nursing a hamstring injury.

On loan Southend United striker Richie Foran will lead the attack once more after scoring in both of his last Quaker outings.

As for the visitors, in form Mark Hudson could remain out through illness and Danny Harrison is also doubtful.

Derek Holmes will retain his starting berth after his two goals inspired the Millers to a 3-0 win against Wrexham on Saturday.


NCM Prediction:
Darlington win but it won't be easy

Elsewhere...

Wycombe will be hoping to make it three straight league wins as they go to Brentford.

The Chairboys have patched up their stuttering season in recent weeks with back-to-back home wins, but Tuesday marks the real test as Wanderers
Scott...Taking care of Brentford
search for only their third away win of the season.

Ricky Shakes is injured for the Bees so Charlie Ide could be in line for a start as Andy Scott takes charge of his third game in Caretaker charge since the departure of Terry Butcher.

Desperate for a win, Barnet enetertain fellow struggling Dagenham and Redbridge.

The Londoners have been woeful in recent weeks and things are set to get worse for boss Paul Fairclough.

Joe O'Cearuill is suspended while Sagi Burton remains out. His problems continue...

Dagenham could fall into the relegation zone with defeat and with an injury list into double figures now, you woldn't bet against it.

And, Chesterfield go to Bury who are without influential front man Andy Bishop.

The Spirites themselves will be missing Kevin Gray but welcome back midfielder Derek Niven to the ranks.

Full fixture list:

Barnet v Dagenham & Redbridge

Bradford v Lincoln

Bury v Chesterfield

Darlington v Rotherham

Grimsby v Accrington Stanley

Macclesfield v Hereford

Mansfield v Peterborough

Morecambe v Chester

Notts County v MK Dons

Shrewsbury v Stockport

Wrexham v Rochdale