Will Notts be Darling's?

Last updated : 15 December 2006 By Paul Smith

On the back of five defeats in the last six games, the Magpies travel North to face Darlington. The Darls currently sit just a point and a place behind Notts, with a home win set to push them right into the Playoff mix.

Many have said this could be Notts' biggest game of the season, with their form currently taking them out of the Playoff positions, where they had sat for most of the campaign.

Dudfield...Giving Thompson a headache?
Team selection has become a real headache for Notts boss Steve Thompson. With players playing their way out of the side due to poor form, and a lack of goals a clear sore point, the players must utilise all their team spirit for one big push.

Dave Penney replaced Dave Hodgson earlier in the season at the helm of Darlington, and he has quickly assembled a match winning unit with some big name signings.

Julian Joachim had arrived at the TFM 96.6 arena earlier in the season from struggling Boston, and they have also added the likes of Barry Conlon, Mark Albrighton and Anthony Griffith.

Martin Smith, the dynamic right sided midfielder, is in scorching form with nine goals from midfield, and some of them have been real beauties.

However, the Quakers have lost their last three fixtures, and also come into the game badly in need of the three points.

It is a chance for one of the sides to seriously dent the aspirations of the other, but who will take it?

Team news sees Notts without Jason Lee through suspension and David Pipe due to injury. Stephen Hunt is unlikely to be rushed back after only one reserve team outing. Tom Curtis may be recalled for the first time since the draw at Mansfield, whilst Lawrie Dudfield is also set to start for the first time since then. Tcham N'Toya is set for a squad recall, and Saul Deeney will start in goal.

The home side Joey Hutchinson and Albrighton are out, but Darren Holloway should return. Conlon and Joachim are likely to spearhead the attack.

Possible Notts line-up: Saul Deeney, Dan Gleeson, Alan White, Mike Edwards, Austin McCann, Andy Parkinson, Ian Ross, Matt Somner, Daryl McMahon, Lawrie Dudfield, Junior Mendes

Drapes' Prediction: Darlington to hurt Notts early on, but ‘Thommo' to inspire a second half comeback with Dudfield grabbing the equaliser in a nail biting 1-1 draw!