Glen Robertson takes a look at Darlington's next opponents in their busy pre-season schedule…

The Quakers travel to the West coast to take on Blue Square North side Workington tonight.

Last Season
Workington finished fourth in the Blue Square North which put them in the play-offs. They were disposed in the semi-finals by Alfreton Town 4-1 on aggregate. The Reds also reached the last-eight of the FA Trophy where they succumbed to a last-minute winner to eventual runners-up Stevenage.

Pre-Season
It's been a mixed bag for the Reds so far. They started strongly with wins over Gretna and Gateshead, but were beaten by Carlisle and Northern League side Penrith. A depleted side played out a 2-2 draw with Whitley Bay on Saturday.

Summer Business
Goalkeeper Tony Caig has left the club to take up a full-time coaching role at Carlisle United. The ex-Newcastle shot-stopper was named in the Blue Square Team of the Year last season.
Workington-stalwart Tony Hopper, the club's 'unsung hero' who turned out in the red shirt over 250 times, has retired from playing at the age of 34.
A number of trialists have been involved in the pre-season games, with the management at Borough Park waiting until after the friendlies to confirm which will be staying on.

Manager
Darren Edmondson
He was appointed player-manager at the start of the 2007-08 season, and led the team to the first round proper of the F.A Cup, as well as a safe mid-table position in the Blue Square North.
The following year was much of the same in the league, and they were victorious in the Cumberland Cup.
Last year he settled down to just managing the team, and led them to the play-offs.
During his playing career he played over 200 games for Carlisle, as well as having lengthy spells at Huddersfield Town and York City.

Players to Watch

Andy Langford
The 22-year-old was the only ever-present for Workington last year. He can play anywhere across the back-four but usually slots in at right-back. The former Morecambe man will be looking for another consistent, injury-free season at Borough Park and has already appeared in all pre-season games.

Aaran Taylor
The young 'keeper will be taking over from Caig in the Workington goal. He will be expected to provide a dependable barrier to keep the defensive solidarity that was achieved last season - the Reds had the best defence in the Blue Square North last season, conceding just 37 goals in 40 games.

Shaun Vipond
Losing Hopper is a blow to the Reds but the skipper Vipond will continue to be a big presence in the middle of the park. He offers the same all-action approach to the game and chips in with the odd goal here and there, most memorably the winner against AFC Wimbledon in last year's FA Trophy.

Team News
The squad were depleted for their last outing, with a number of players away on holiday or injured.
Youngsters and trialists filled in as they looked to impress Edmondson and will do so again on against the Quakers.
Andy Murray-Jones netted after coming off the bench, and the youngster will be hoping for another opportunity.
Lee Andrews picked up a knock on his ankle in the defeat to Penrith and is doubtful.