Same again for Darlington

Darlington have stuck with the same XI today for their home game with bottom-of-the-table Eastbourne Borough. Manager Mark Cooper keeps faith with the same side that won 3-0 at AFC Telford in the FA Trophy seven days ago, so that means Dan Burn keeps his place. The teenage centre-back has impressed in his two senior appearances this season, both in the FA Trophy, so is handed another opportunity at The Northern Echo Arena. That means Adam Quinn, who was cup-tied at Telford must settle for a place on the bench as Quakers aim to avenge their disappointing draw with Eastbourne from earlier in the season. The sides drew 1-1 in September, despite Eastbourne having two men sent off, including their goalkeeper, midway through the first half and having to put a midfielder in goal. That was Matt Smart who lines up today for Eastbourne who have the second worst away record in the league. Darlington, now 13th, are 12 points off the play-offs, though they have games in hand, so a win today is imperative. Meanwhile, Cooper has sent out-of-favour winger Josh Gray on loan to Blyth Spartans. The left-sided player, a product of the club's youth system, would not be able to play versus Quakers in the FA Trophy, should both teams meet at the semi-final stage, as he has already features for Darlington in the competition. Referee: P Hodskinson (Lancashire) Darlington (4-1-2-1-2): Russell; Arnison, Miller, Burn, Brown; Chandler; Verma, G Smith; Bridge-Wilkinson; Hatch, Campbell. Subs: St Louis-Hamilton (gk), Quinn, Taylor, Senior, Modest

Source: Northern_Echo