Darlington manager David Hodgson is finally getting some much-needed strength in numbers back to his squad.

Second-bottom Quakers face a festive schedule of three games in eight days, beginning with tomorrow's visit of fellow strugglers Macclesfield.

Hodgson has several players vying for recalls ahead of the Reynolds Arena clash, with Andy Collett and Clark Keltie both hoping to force their way back into his plans.

Collett returned to action this week after three months out through injury, while Keltie is available again after missing Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Cambridge with an ankle injury.

Hodgson also has striker Mark Sheeran waiting in the wings after he was recalled from a successful loan spell with Whitby.

Also pressing is youngster John Alexander, who again scored for the reserves in midweek.

Hodgson also has David McGurk and Chris Hughes to call upon, and after last week's disappointing performance at Cambridge, he may ring the changes.

McGurk, who has made just one start under Hodgson, will be very keen to squeeze his way back into the first team frame after an impressive start to the season under former boss Mick Tait.

Defender Joey Hutchinson is facing an unexpected FA rap after comments allegedly made to an official over two months ago.

He faces a possible three-match ban following remarks, believed to have been made towards referee Trevor Kettle, after Quakers' controversial 3-1 defeat at Mansfield in October.

Hutchinson will face an FA panel in York on Monday to explain his actions in a game which also saw the dismissal of McGurk.

Darlington will, however, have the backing of former FA official Graham Bean, along with the Mansfield's board of directors, who are understood to have submitted a letter to the FA in defence of Hutchinson.

Former Quakers midfielder Richard Hodgson has joined Bristol Rovers on trial.

Hodgson is currently with Nationwide Conference strugglers, Farnborough Town, after leaving Quakers in the summer.

The 24-year-old played for the Pirates' reserve side on Tuesday.

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