Source: Northern_Echo
Quakers injury situation deepens with Purcell sidelined
IRISH hotshot Tadhg Purcell may not play in Darlington's remaining four games after sustaining an ankle injury in Tuesday's draw at Cheltenham Town.[LNB] The striker had to be substituted before the break in a match during which he scored his first goal in six games and was involved in the build-up for the second as Quakers marched into a 3-0 lead.[LNB] With the score at 3-1, Purcell had to be replaced and in his absence Darlington crumbled.[LNB] They were pegged back to 3-3 on a night in which manager Simon Davey had already been forced into changes due to injury.[LNB] He was unable to call on defender Ian Miller or winger Josh Gray and the injury situation means Davey's options for Saturday's game with Grimsby Town are restricted.[LNB] Players are going down like nine pins, admitted Davey. Mor Diop came back into the team on Tuesday and and got a goal but we've now lost Tadhg, Josh is out, Curtis Main had an operation on Tuesday, Gareth Waite has had his operation and Ian's hernia was too sore to play so soon after Saturday's game.[LNB] It's difficult but when you've got a squad of 26 players you should be able to cope with it.[LNB] Tadhg's ankle is very sore.[LNB] He twisted his ankle in the corner of the pitch when there was nobody near him.[LNB] He went over on his ankle, there was no way he could carry on and he's probably out for the season.[LNB] With Miller unavailable for only the fourth time this season, Mark Bower started his first game since December.[LNB] He had been out with an ankle injury and, after being used as a late substitute in the win at Rochdale last week, the 30-year-old played his first 90 minutes for four months.[LNB] Davey added: With Ian being injured I had to put Mark in the team, plus I have to see him in action to make an assessment and he'll probably be playing a part for the rest of the season, battling it out with Ian and Alan White for a place.[LNB] Meanwhile, Darlington will reveal their Player of the Year during a fans night at the Arena on Tuesday, May 4.[LNB] The players' kit sponsorship presentations will also be made and other entertainment will include table football, table tennis and a Wii, while food will also be served.[LNB] This promises to be yet another popular event with our supporters, said the club's general manager Phil Preston.[LNB] It's another chance for fans to come and feel part of the club, other than on matchdays, and also to mingle with players and management who will be there on the night.[LNB] Tickets cost £5, which includes food, and can be bought in advance from the Arena main reception, by calling 01325 387000, or email commercial@darlington-fc.net[LNB]
