Story by Kevin Luff - 5th April 2007

Darlington face Chester City this weekend as they look to bounce back from two successive defeats in a row. The games against Hartlepool United and Barnet could well have seen Quakers slip out of the play-off picture altogether but results have once again conspired to ensure that Darlington are still in the hunt.

Shrewsbury Town's defeat in midweek at the hands of Bury means that whilst they may still have a game in hand on those around them the advantage they once had is nowhere near as vast. Their visit to Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday could have another significant impact on the race for the play-offs. With Stockport and Peterborough in action over the weekend Darlington are the only side chasing the play-offs who play on Friday night and the extra twenty-four hours, if Quakers can record three points at Chester, could add some extra pressure on those around them.

"It puts a little bit of extra on all those teams around there," said Quakers' boss Dave Penney. "It is a big weekend because we have to play Lincoln City on Monday. People say take each game as it comes but you have to plan ahead with games coming so quickly. We will obviously go and try to win this game and look for what we've got going forward and we might have to freshen it up."

Chester City have hit the magic fifty-points barrier and find themselves well clear of the relegation scrap down the bottom of the table. However it has been a tough marker to reach with Chester only recording two wins in their last ten league outings. Penney does not believe that Chester have nothing to play for and insists that there will be those for the Blues will something to prove.

"Sometimes players go out, relax and just enjoy themselves," said Penney. "They are still at clubs and there will be those who are out of contract and probably still hoping to prove to the manager they want to stay there or prove to others they are good enough to do jobs elsewhere. I think it is a bit harsh to say they have nothing to play for. Certainly the players individually will want to prove to others they are good enough to play at this level."

Darlington player Gregg Blundell will return to his old stomping ground and there could be a recall on the cards for defender Patrick Collins. Also in the frame will be Kevin Burgess as Quakers look to reshuffle their defensive pack to cater for the loss of Dave Wheater who returned to Middlesbrough following his loan spell. Brian Close is expected to miss out with a hamstring problem whilst skipper Clark Keltie is out along with Lee Jones, Carlos Logan and Tim Ryan.

Chester meanwhile will be without Simon Marples (broken toe) whilst Phil Bolland is suspended following his red card against Hartlepool. Striker Chris Holroyd is also struggling after picking up a hamstring injury during the defeat to Pools. Quakers fans are reminded that the game on Good Friday kicks off at 3pm.