Darlington striker Barry Conlon is facing a race to be fit in time for Sunday's FA Cup clash at Hornchurch.

While the rest of the squad were given the day off by new manager David Hodgson yesterday, Conlon, who has not played since suffering ankle ligament damage against Bristol Rovers last month, was at the club's Maiden Castle training base working hard to build up his fitness.

The big Irishman, last season's top scorer with 17 goals, has been sorely missed by Quakers, who have lost their last six League games.

Hodgson is already without the injured Andy Collett and suspended skipper Craig Liddle at the weekend. And the return of Conlon would provide some much-needed experience against the Ryman Premier League outfit.

Conlon will train again this morning before Hodgson can make a decision on the 25-year-old's fitness.

Hornchurch chairman Gary Calder last night admits the recent appointment of Hodgson will make their task of causing an FA Cup upset all the more difficult.

"Darlington have been in turmoil recently but they've brought David Hodgson back in who has plenty of experience," said Calder.

"We're clearly the underdogs but anything can happen in football. We'll have to do ever so well to win the game."

A record capacity crowd of 2,000 is expected at the club's Bridge Avenue stadium after temporary seating was installed this week.

"This is without doubt going to be the biggest day in the club's history," said Calder.

"People have done a lot of work behind the scenes and everybody is looking forward to it.

"This is the first time Hornchurch Football Club has been in the First Round of the FA Cup, but we do have players who have been involved before with other clubs so there is experience within our side."

Former West Ham striker Steve Jones, now at Hornchurch, is struggling with a back injury, while ex-QPR striker Bradley Allen is back in contention for George Borg's side following injury.

Quakers have so far sold 150 of their 250 allocated tickets.

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