Story by Kevin Luff - 9th March 2007

Darlington manager Dave Penney has identified former Doncaster Rovers players John Doolan as a potential threat as his sides unbeaten run. Quakers take on Rochdale this weekend at Spotland who themselves are also in a rich vain of form. Dale have moved themselves ten points clear of the relegation zone courtesy of their six game unbeaten spell and Penney is aware of the threat that two of his former players pose.

Doolan is a player that Penney is keen to keep the shackles on when his side take on Dale. The thirty-two year old Liverpool born player spent just over two years at Doncaster Rovers who Penney guided to back to back promotions and has highlighted the midfielder as a threat along with fellow former Doncaster player Ben Muirhead.

"I know John Doolan because I had him at Doncaster Rovers. He is a good central midfielder and we will have to stop him playing if we are going to do anything because he can run a midfield," said Penney. "He has plenty of experience so we will have to stop him playing. They've also got Ben Muirhead who I had at Docnaster, he has plenty of pace. They've been starting games well so we'll have to keep them quiet early doors because they get early goals and kill teams off."

Recent results have seen Darlington pull themselves back into contention for a play-off place. The point against Walsall in Quakers' last match not only extended Darlington's good run of form but saw Penney's men turn in one of their better performances at the Arena. However Wycombe Wanderers' result over Macclesfield saw the gap to the top seven increase despite Darlington's efforts.

Darlington's opponents of late have all had something to play for. Either they have been fighting against relegation or as in the case with Swindon and Walsall they have been fighting for promotion. Rochdale are perhaps the first team to find themselves between these two stools.

Whilst Rochdale are yet to hit the magic fifty points barrier which normally signifies safety Keith Hill's side appear to be closing in and realistically the end of a long hard season for them will be coming fast. Given how perilously close the Spotland based side were to the relegation pack at one stage in the campaign the chance to start focusing on next season could be welcomed by some at the club. Penney though is guarding against complacency and has warned that Rochdale will still having plenty to play for this season.

"Rochdale won't be easy," declared Penney. "They've had a change of manager and they are doing ever so well at the moment. They are on a good run and it will not be easy going there. It is a tough game but a good one because there is something on it for us. They are one of the form teams in the division. They were in trouble a few weeks back but they look safe now the way they are playing. When you get on a run like they are you want to keep going whether there is something on it or not and some players will be playing for their futures at the club."

Darlington will be without goalkeeper Lee Jones (groin). This will see Sam Russell continue in goal. Meanwhile Defender Darren Holloway (hamstring) is out and Carlos Logan is also suffering from a groin problem. Rochdale meanwhile have a doubt over Gary Brown. Darlington's match at Rochdale kicks off at 3pm.