Darlington play their first league home game of the new season as they entertain Bury at the Northern Echo Arena this Saturday. Both sides are looking for their opening victory of the campaign having both been defeated on the first weekend of the season and in the Carling Cup.
Quakers will be looking to build upon their performance against Leeds United on Monday night. Darlington gave a good account of themselves in the first round tie. Manager Colin Todd is aiming for an improvement in one or two areas. However he believes that if the players can reproduce the same type of performance then they won't be far off.
Darlington will face a Bury side which has problems in it's final third. The Shakers are missing key forwards through injury. Former Darlington loan player Danny Carlton is currently sidelined with an Achilles' injury. Carlton spent time on loan with Quakers last season but could be missing for up to six months.
"As we stood on the sideline, we all heard a loud crack, we thought it was a clash of shin pads between the two, it wasn't, the loud crack was Danny's Achilles tendon snapping. It takes an incredible force for the Achilles to snap. Obviously we are absolutely gutted for him," said Alan Knill on Bury's official website.
"We are disappointed and disappointed for Danny, he is a big loss to the squad. The doctors have said four months; I'm looking at a minimum of four months. As for replacing him, I am waiting on a phone call from a club further up the league to bring a striker in on loan, we will have to wait and see."
Bury could also be missing Andy Bishop and Andy Morrell tomorrow. The pair are still recovering from hernia problems. Despite their woes Bury will still field a strong squad which is likely to include former Darlington player Simon Johnson. The Manchester club are expected to be one of the front runners for promotion this season in Coca-Cola League Two.
Todd has better news on the in front. Only Josh Gray is a concern with young striker Curtis Main fit again. He will push for a place in the side with Dean Windass, Lee Thorpe and David Dowson all available for Quakers.
Darlington's game with Bury kicks off at 3pm.
