Story by Kevin Luff - 3rd February 06

Darlington head to York Street for this weekend's League two fixture looking for three points on Boston's home ground for the first time in three attempts. It hasn't been a happy venue for Quakers or their supporters in the last few years - least of all manager David Hodgson who has yet to record a win there. However the Darlington boss is hoping all that will change after he reshuffled the scheduled and travelled down a little earlier for this fixture.

Travelling supporters have every reason to be optimistic about their chances this coming Saturday but the tough enclosed venue, which is far removed from the TFM Arena, is a difficult place to visit. However York Street is far from impregnable as Carlisle United proved only a few short weeks ago when they ran out 5-0 winners. Steve Evans side have bounced back since that mauling and beat Bury and drew against Rochdale. Darlington have shown excellent form of late to haul themselves into the play-off picture but the young squad are keen to try and take things a step further.

"You've always got to look to better yourself and I feel with the squad that we have and the way we are playing at the moment we are going into games thinking we are going win. Hopefully we can build upon that and push into the top three," said midfielder Clark Keltie.

Darlington's return to form over the last few months has coincided with the return of Keltie who has himself shown some excellent form since his return from serious injury. Keltie has started the last eleven games for Darlington and has forged a decent understanding with Jonjo Dickman in the centre of the park along with Stamp as well. However the Newcastle born player is not taking his selection for this latest fixture as a forgone conclusion.

"The gaffer hasn't named the team so I am not going to take anything for granted. You've got to just take each game as it comes. Hopefully I'll be selected and whoever it is with I don't really mind. We have got a good choice of midfielders," said Keltie. "Jonjo has been fantastic in the middle of the park with me and a lot of the work he does goes unnoticed. Off the ball I am really grateful for the work he does. It is kind of a scenario where he does all the work and I get on the ball and do what I feel I am good at."

Quakers did not add any new faces during the transfer window but did capture Guy Bates (a free agent) a few days later. Bates looks likely to figure in Saturday's match in some shape or form but Boston will not be showcasing any new signings. Pilgrims manager Steve Evans has reluctantly accepted the position of his board but admits the work he put in during the transfer window has left him somewhat disappointed.

"I am left frustrated because we have lost out on two player additions, which I had put many hours into and clocked up lots of miles in the car," said Evans. "It all came down to finance and we were simply not near the figures which had been offered by other clubs in our division. My directors have told me we can't compete with the terms being given to players by some clubs in League Two. To be honest, we are not even getting close at the moment. However, that has been consistent for a while now, but I do understand and accept the board's strategy, because the budgets were put in place last year. We are operating comfortably within those budget numbers and that has to be the case."

Both clubs have few injury worries ahead of this game. Quakers have their usual long term injury victims but will be boosted by the return of Sam Russell who has been missing since late November. Jonjo Dickman looks set to miss out with an ankle injury however Neil Wainwright could be pushing for an inclusion in the squad as will new signing Guy Bates. The Pilgrims are boosted by the return of midfielder Jamie Clarke after he was ineligible to face his former employers Rochdale in last week's 1-1 draw at Spotland. Gary Silk, Peter Till and Asa Hall should all feature after extending their respective loan spells but goalkeeper Nathan Abbey and striker Noel Whelan left York Street this week.

Last nine meetings

2005/06
FA Cup	Darlington	0-0	Boston	27-09-05
2004/05
League 2	Darlington	1-0	Boston United	05-03-05
League 2	Boston	3-1	Darlington	18-12-04
2003/04
Division 3	Boston	1-0	Darlington	03-04-04
Division 3	Darlington	3-0	Boston	27-09-03
2002/03
Division 3	Boston	1-0	Darlington	19-03-03
Division 3	Darlington	2-3	Boston	19-10-02
1957/58
FA Cup	Darlington	5-3	Boston	07-12-57
1932/33
FA Cup	Darlington	1-0	Boston	26-11-32

Boston's last five games