Darlington v Kidderminster
by Kevin Luff - 21st February 2011
Darlington welcome Kidderminster Harriers tomorrow night as they start a run of home games which could have a big impact on their season. Despite the late leveller from Forest Green Rovers on saturday Quakers have enjoyed an upturn in form of late which has seen them come back into contention for a possible play-off place. That outside chance however could become something much more solid over the next two weeks. However Darlington face a hectic schedule and injuries.
Tomorrow's clash with Kidderminster gives Mark Cooper's men the chance to close the gap on the upper reaches of the table. That game is swiftly followed up by a meeting with Fleetwood Town who currently occupy fifth place in the division. In between Quakers face an FA Trophy tie against Salisbury City which could set up a semi-final place for the club.
Regardless of the competition the next few games could potentially shape the remainder of Darlington's season. The important run of fixtures though will be a gruelling test for the club. Things have not been made any easier either thanks to injuries which, following the latest game, are not getting any better.
Liam Hatch will serve the final game of a two match ban tomorrow night. Darlington have already suffered a few long term lay-offs already this term and they picked up more problems at the weekend. Aman Verma suffered an eye injury, while Greg Taylor is having tests on potential pelvic and kidney injuries after taking a fierce blow.
Striker John Campbell will continue to be missing with a broken hand but Quakers are checking to see whether the injury is suitable for a fibre glass pot. That would possibly enable him to return sooner than expected. In the meantime Cooper will have to decide which partnership he goes with up front.
The game against Forest Green saw Nathan Modest and Michael Smith start up front. Whilst Smith netted during the game Modest has yet to impress Darlington supporters. Cooper though does have the option of either Tommy Wright, Chris Senior or Curtis Main should he wish to change the pairing in the final third.
Darlington will meet a Kidderminster Harriers side who are in real form at the moment. While Darlington will be casting an eye upwards so will Harriers. The Aggborough Stadium based club are unbeaten in their last six games - five of them ending in wins for the Harriers. However despite the blow of another late equaliser at the weekend Darlington should fancy their chances. Cooper's outfit have only lost three times all season at the Arena and haven't lost their, in the league at least, since October.
Darlington's meeting with Kidderminster will kick-off at 7.45pm tomorrow evening.
Words by Kevin Luff.