Story by Kevin Luff - 2nd February 2007

Darlington's Tim Ryan returns to contention this weekend for the game against Macclesfield Town. The defender was suspended for the game against Wrexham last weekend however would have missed the game regardless thanks to a hamstring injury. Evan Horwood serves the final game of a three match ban for his red card against Bury.

The trip to Macclesfield marks the start of a difficult month. Quakers face a tough series of away trips which sees Dave Penney's men take in Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Torquay United. If points are to be recorded Darlington need to bounce back from the result with Wrexham. Quakers drew 1-1 but turned in a poor showing and the manager will want to see a marked improvement.

"The performance wasn't good enough on Saturday," said Penney. "We know that and the players know that. They are disappointed with themselves so hopefully we'll see a reaction on Saturday. We disappointed with the goal we conceded and our general defending of the ball into the box. We've been working on that. We've got a rough idea of what we will go with and we've had a look at different people in different positions."

Macclesfield's revival has surprised everybody. Manager Paul Ince has turned the fortunes of the Silkmen around since arriving at the club - something Penney is quick to acknowledge. Despite an excellent upturn in results Macclesfield still find themselves outside of the drop zone by virtue of goal difference. However given how many points the Silkmen were adrift of safety this represents a brilliant position for them.

Recent wins over Peterborough United and Grimsby Town have helped push Darlington away from the bottom half of the table. However Penney is keen to chalk up fifty points as quickly as possible and knows that fixtures against Macclesfield and Torquay, at the turn of the month, are very important.

"They've done fantastically well under Paul Ince," said Penney. "Everybody thought they were dead and buried but he took them on a great run and they have got back in the pack. They've had a couple of poor results lately. I've told the players when we play the team below us we have to try and win but it is important we don't loose. We didn't loose against Grimsby and Wrexham so it keeps them down there. It is a tough month with four away trips."

Quakers have been busy during the transfer window adding plenty of new faces. Macclesfield have also been active during the transfer. Ince has added Adam Murray from Torquay United early in January. Also arriving were Rob Scott and John Murphy until the end of the season. Scott had originally signed a short term deal with the Silkmen in September following his release from Oldham Athletic, and Murphy was nearing the end of his (maximum 93 day) loan period from Blackpool.