Darlington RA manager David Woodcock was pressed into action when he had a amazing 29 players unavailable against Harton and Westoe - and enjoyed the game so much that he is considering selecting himself for tomorrow's match at Cleadon SC.

Woodcock, who was an apprentice at Sunderland and played 35 games in the Darlington first team, retired at the age of 26 when he broke a leg and ankle while with Bishop Auckland.

He was out of the game for two years before returning and played only a handful of games before he had to call it a day.

"Until three weeks ago I hadn't played a match for some time but we have been really short of players and I had to turn out for the full 90 minutes at Harton and Westoe.

"I scored a hat-trick helping us to a 5-1 win and although I have one or two players returning, I'm thinking of playing again," said Woodcock.

After finishing with Darlington, Woodcock played non-League with North Shields, Newcastle Blue Star and Bridlington Town and was in their side which won the FA Vase at Wembley.

"That was a great experience, but soon afterwards I was injured while with Bishop Auckland and had to hang up my boots but I have to say I've really enjoyed playing in the last three games."

Darlington RA are sixth from top, two points behind Annfield Plain who have made their best start for some time.

Last year, they did well in their first seven games before faltering but they have maintained encouraging form for ten matches this time.

"We are just four points off the leaders and obviously we are hoping we can maintain consistency throughout the season.

"We have had to make changes both on and off the field and have a side which consists of both experience and youth," said long-serving secretary Marshall Lawson.

When Kevin Drinkeld was forced to call it a day, the Plain appointed goalkeeper Paul Hedley and Bernie Allaker to take over as joint managers and so far the pair are working well together.

"Paul has been with the club for a number of years while Bernie has good contacts with junior clubs. Our victory at the weekend was the sixth win of the season and we are in a handy position near the top," enthused Lawson.