ASSISTANT manager Mick Tait last night put forward the case for Darlington's defence.

On the back of comprehensive wins over Orient and Exeter in the past seven days, Quakers' front-men have been taking the plaudits.

Quakers have crashed in seven goals without reply in two games, but the Silkmen - who lost for the first time in five games at the weekend - can be expected to put up a sterner test.

But Darlington's defensive record is among the best in the division and Tait is delighted with the form of the back four.

Frenchman Alex Jeannin has enjoyed three steady matches since replacing the injured David Brightwell.

"The defenders have been magnificent in the last two games," said Tait. "Alex has come in and he'll be the first to admit he had a poor pre-season. He wasn't playing well and in a few reserve games he didn't do so well.

"But you've got to give the lad credit for the way he's knuckled down, coming in when we've needed him and doing a great job.

"You get the same week in, week out from Craig Liddle. He's got a great standard that he sets and he keeps to it. We've had Simon Betts, Paul Heckingbottom and Steven Harper playing at full-back and they've all done a great job so far."

Quakers' game at Luton a week on Saturday has been switched to avoid clashing with England's World Cup qualifier with Greece on the same day.

Darlington will now meet the Hatters on Friday, October 5 (7.45).

The South Terrace has been handed over to Hull City fans for the Feethams clash on October 27, but season ticket holders for the terrace are being given the opportunity to switch to either the West Stand or the Tin Shed at no extra charge.

South Stand season ticket holders have until Friday of next week to collect their West Stand ticket from the club shop as there will be no cash turnstiles in the West Stand on the day of the game. West Stand tickets will go on general sale from Saturday, October 6.

For anybody who prefers to switch to the East Stand there will be an additional charge of £3 (adult) and £2 (concession) and these transfers will be available on the day of the game.

Quakers will be unchanged tonight, with Neil Wainwright and Neil Maddison both still injured.

Quakers: Collett; Betts, Liddle, Jeannin, Heckingbottom; Convery, Ford, Atkinson, Hodgson, Mellanby, Conlon. Subs (from): van der Geest, Brumwell, Harper, Marcelle, Jackson, Campbell, Pearson.

l Ex-Darlington boss David Hodgson has been linked with a return to management at Scarborough. Neil Thompson vacated the McCain Stadium hot-seat at the weekend. Hodgson is currently a European scout for Preston.

Read more about Darlington FC here.