Source: Northern_Echo
Quakers must go to Telford in Trophy
Darlington have been handed a tricky FA Trophy tie away to AFC Telford who they must overcome if they are to reach the quarter-finals.[LNB] Yesterday's draw paired Quakers with the Shropshire club who are fourth in the Blue Square North and have lost only one league game all season, while they boast former Darlington striker Adam Proudlock among their ranks.[LNB] He did not enjoy his shortlived spell at The Northern Arena, failing to score in 11 appearances during 2008-09, but at the New Bucks Head Stadium he has netted 11 in 19 appearances this season.[LNB] Also in their squad is Stuart Whitehead, who had a spell with Quakers in 2002-03.[LNB] Darlington, now second favourites for the competition, are one of only six Blue Square Premier clubs in the last 16 with Mansfield and Luton both well-fancied.[LNB] Meanwhile, Darlington target Lee Hendrie is expected to join a club in Indonesia, according to Mansfield boss Duncan Russell who thought he had convinced the midfielder to move to Field Mill.[LNB] Both Quakers and the Stags were chasing his services, and Russell believed he had beaten Mark Cooper in the chase for Hendrie.[LNB] But the 33-year-old has pulled out of a move to Mansfield, who play at The Northern Echo Arena next Tuesday, and Russell said: I have been speaking to Lee and his agent for quite a few days and he was going to come in and sign on Friday. I thought it was a done deal.[LNB] But he wanted to spend time over the weekend with his family, so I shook hands on the deal with his agent.[LNB] Then I got a call saying he had other interest I believe from out in Indonesia for a lot of money, which we can't compete with.[LNB] FA Trophy third round draw: Dorchester Town or Eastbourne Borough v Guiseley, Mansfield Town v Alfreton Town or Cambridge United, Blyth Spartans v Droylsden, Luton Town v Gloucester City, AFC Telford United v Darlington, Woking v Salisbury City, Eastleigh or Worcester City v Chasetown, Gateshead v Dartford. Games to be played on Saturday, February 5.[LNB] Darlington target Marc Bridge-Wilkinson is now a free agent after agreeing a settlement with Carlisle.[LNB] There were six months remaining on his contract at Brunton Park, but now that the 31-year-old has cut his ties with Carlisle, Darlington will hope that will hasten a return to club after his threemonth loan this season.[LNB] Carlisle boss Greg Abbott said: Marc is a fantastic lad but wants to be playing regular football, and that's not something that we could guarantee. We have sat down and had a chat and we have agreed that it would be better for him to move on.''[LNB]
