CURTIS FLEMING insists the experience of Darlington's squad will prove a useful commodity in their quest for promotion.

Fleming, capped ten times by the Republic of Ireland, is one of several players whose abundance of knowledge in the game has ensured sixth-placed Quakers are in serious promotion contention.

Including Fleming, Quakers have seven players - Alun Armstrong, Craig Liddle, Craig Hignett, Neil Maddison, Ian Clark and Craig Russell - who have made over 300 appearances during their careers.

"You only have to look across the changing room to see the experience we have here," said Fleming.

"These are players who have played at the highest level and now want to do well for Darlington."

And Fleming is quick to refute any suggestion that the Williamson Motors Stadium has become a resting place for former Premiership stars.

The former Middlesbrough defender turned down a one-year extension with Crystal Palace last summer to return to the North-East with Quakers.

Armstrong rejected moves to Preston North End and Colchester United last month to help Quakers' promotion cause, while Wijnhard has rebuffed approaches from Rotherham United and Bradford City.

Fleming said: "There's the old adage that players are past their best when they move down the divisions, but that couldn't be any further from the truth here. The way we've played against teams this season proves that.

"We have some good young players too, who are learning from the older ones. I don't see any reason why we can't get promoted with the squad we have."

After a lengthy break Quakers reserves returned to action with a behind closed doors home friendly against Leeds United yesterday afternoon and David McGurk successfully came through an hour's play following a knee operation.

Skipper Craig Liddle wasn't risked as he recovers following a double hernia, while on-trial Lithuanian striker Grigalevicius Mindaugas did not play.

Darlington beat a youthful Leeds 3-0 with a first half goal from youth team striker Gavin Parkin followed by second half strikes from Mark Convery and Craig Russell.

Eirik Bakke and Seth Johnson, two of Leeds' survivors from the club's Premiership days, each played for an hour.

l Former Darlington and Leeds defender, Neil Aspin, has been appointed caretaker manager of Conference North side Harrogate Town.

Aspin made 50 appearances for Quakers, including the Wembley play-off final against Peterborough, before finishing his career with Hartlepool, and has agreed to return to Wetherby Road as caretaker until the end of the season.

l An audience with Jack Charlton takes place next month in Darlington's Ron Greener Suite and tickets, priced £5.95, are on sale.

Hosted by 96.6TFM and taking place on Thursday, February 17, doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from TFM reception (01642) 888222.