Darlington v Tamworth Preview

by Chris Mackenzie - 24th November 2011

Quakers could well name an unchanged side for this weekend’s home game against Tamworth as none of the players involved in the spirited 3-1 victory over Ebbsfleet last Saturday have secured a move away from the Northern Echo Arena during the week.

There has been much speculation that Darlo target man Liam Hatch could be set for a switch to either Gateshead or Fleetwood Town however it would appear no firm offer has been made for the forward which will please caretaker boss Craig Liddle as Hatch is the only senior forward currently at his disposal.

Youth team graduate Dale Hopson looks likely to make his home debut playing just behind Hatch after the youngster put in a great display in the away game at Ebbsfleet last time out. Hopson created numerous offensive opportunities for his team mates that day and if the teenager can continue to show such impressive form he could well earn himself a regular place in the Quakers starting eleven over the remainder of the campaign.

Darlo are likely to stick with the same back 4 and midfield quartet that took to the field last weekend however Craig Liddle does have the resources to change things round if he sees fit. Both Adam Quinn and Kris Taylor were named on the bench at Ebbsfleet and given the experience both players have either man could easily slot back into the first eleven.

Possible Darlo X1

Russell

Arnison Miller Lee Brown

McReady Chandler Bridge-Wilkinson Rundle

Hopson

Hatch

Subs

Nixon, Quinn, Atkinson, Taylor, J.Gray

Tamworth come into this weekends clash in 11^th place in the Conference table with 30 points from the 19 games they have played so far this season. The Lambs have decent away form so far this term as they have picked up 3 wins and 3 draws in the 10 games they have played away from their own Lamb Ground.

Their recent form has been mixed as Marcus Law’s side have progressed nicely in the F.A Cup (beating Hinckley in a replay to qualify for the 2^nd round) however they have not won in their last 3 Blue Square Premier Division games. The Lambs have a number of experienced former Football League players in their ranks as Danny Thomas, Iyseden Christie and Jay Smith all have a wealth of knowledge to call upon.

Christie has already netted 10 goals so far this season for the Lambs and it would appear Tamworth have a potent strike force as his partner Kieron St Aimie has struck the back of the net 9 times in all competitions. Despite only being 22 St Aimie has already turned out for 12 different clubs since 2007 when he started his pro career with QPR. St Amie looks to have finally settled in Tamworth this term and the youngster who scored in the Lambs last outing will no doubt be looking to get on the scoresheet once again this weekend.

I feel Quakers may be able to pick up at least a point from the home game with Tamworth buoyed by their tremendous away victory at Ebbsfleet last weekend. Liam Hatch could well grab a goal or 2 after the frontman got back on the goal trail in Darlo’s previous game.

Chris Mackenzie

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