Story by Kevin Luff - 16th January 2006

Darlington welcome Grimsby Town this Tuesday evening in another massively important fixture. Following the 2-1 win over Peterborough United on Saturday Quakers are just two points away from the play-offs. David Hodgson set his side a six point target for the games against Peterborough United and Grimsby Town and with the win over the weekend the players are half way to meeting their gaffer's target. Hodgson is looking to the fans once again to raise the volume and get behind the team as they go for their second lot of three points.

"That's what we said because we believe in it (when asked about the target) and I think the belief came into force in the second half," said Hodgson after the win over Peterborough. "As I said that came because the crowd started to get a bit of volume and I know I nearly got hanged back in 99/00 when I said we were stumbling and we needed something to lift us. I seemed to offend people, I didn't intend to but believe me when we start to shout and really give encouragement these kids find their legs again and that's what happened."

Grimsby are enjoying a good season so far and since the two club's previous meetings in August of last year Grimsby have climbed the table. Quakers won the last meeting at Blundell Park and as a result have the chance to record a double, something Hodgy's men have only done once so far this season. That last meeting, which Quakers won 1-0 thanks to a late spot kick by the now departed Ndumbu-Nsungu saw the Mariners boss Russell Slade lock his team in the dressing room and forced them to re-watch the entire ninety minutes of the game again. Clearly the thought of having to do that all over again has kept Grimsby's players on their toes!

The visitors made a disappointing start to 2006 by dropping points against Carlisle united on home soil but bounced back last weekend with a 2-1 victory over lowly Mansfield Town. However the Mariners had to wait until late on to seal their win as the Stags equalised in the seventy-ninth minute to cancel out Michael Reddy's ninth minute opener. Assistant manager Graham Rodger admitted afterwards it was more about the result than the performance.

"It was a fantastic win, a much-needed win especially at home. We will play a lot better than that and lose. Sometimes the sign of a good side is a side that wins games like that," said Rodger. "Too often in the past we would have drawn or even lost that game. The players know they have not performed particularly well but they dug in deep and ground out a result."

Darlington are certain to continue to with Lafferty and Hopkins up front and will be boosted by the return of Shelton Martis from suspension. The Dutch defender was absent from the win over Peterborough United after picking up five yellow cards. Manager David Hodgson has been keen to keep changes to a minimum but with the Mariners packing a lot of height he may decide to bring the tall defender back into the heart of the Darlington defence. Kasper Schmeichel will continue in between the sticks as he looks to build upon his good performance at the weekend, a performance Hodgy knew he was more than capable of putting in.

"I ain't getting carried away," said Hodgson. "I know his name is Schmeichel and the public are jumping on the band wagon. That youngster did today what we thought he could do. He dealt with everything, he dealt with the crosses, he dealt with the shot stopping, he composed us when we need it and his kicking was excellent. That's what he is. That is because he has had fantastic grounding at Manchester City and because his farther no doubt will give him good advice. Because of that he will always have a chance in the game."

Darlington's game against Grimsby Town kicks off at 7.30pm tomorrow evening with full commentary available on Quakers World for those not able to make the game at the TFM Darlington Arena.

Last ten meetings

2005/06
League 2	Grimsby	0-1	Darlington	20-08-05
2004/05
League 2	Grimsby	0-1	Darlington	19-03-05
League 2	Darlington	1-0	Grimsby	07-08-04
1988/89
Division 4	Darlington	1-1	Grimsby	04-04-89
Division 4	Grimsby	0-0	Darlington	14-02-89
1987/88
League Cup	Darlington	2-1	Grimsby	26-08-87
League Cup	Grimsby	3-2	Darlington	18-08-87
1978/79
Division 4	Grimsby	7-2	Darlington	16-01-79
Division 4	Darlington	0-1	Grimsby	09-09-78
1977/78
Division 4	Darlington	1-2	Grimsby	14-01-78

Grimsby's last five games