David Hodgson tonight renews his rivalry with former foe Chris Turner, looking to mark the 50th game at the Darlington Football Stadium by building on Saturday's opening day draw at Rushden and Diamonds.

Ex-Hartlepool boss Turner brings his Stockport County side to the North-East and it marks the first occasion the managers have crossed swords since the Division Three play-offs in 2000.

Quakers won both legs against Turner's Pool to reach Wembley.

The pair were former team-mates at Sheffield Wednesday in the 80s and Hodgson said: "I have not managed to speak with Chris for a while. Not because I don't want to, it just hasn't happened.

"He had an incredible run at Hartlepool which got them into the play-offs but overall I think I have the win in hand over him and long may it continue."

After being sacked as manager of Wednesday last season Turner took over at Stockport but could not prevent them being relegated to League Two and tonight's game is the Hatters' first away game at this level since they finished runners-up when Quakers won the Division Four title in 1991.

Both sides drew on Saturday - the Hatters at home to Mansfield thanks to two goals from ex-Pool striker Jermaine Easter.

A win tonight would provide a healthy start to the season for Hodgson, who said: "We have had Stockport watched during pre-season, we had two reports on them just as we did for Rushden. So we know how they play and what their tactics are.

"Stockport have made a load of changes and I think they have financial problems. They have probably got a few players still on good money from the division above.''

After missing out on Saturday due to a suspension held over from last season, new signing David Duke comes into the reckoning.

Rushden's goal came from slack defending down Darlington's left and the full-back should start.

The first-half at Nene Park, in patches, saw some of the fluid football that Hodgson demands of his players and, after a largely unentertaining campaign last time out, the manager has made a conscious effort to make Quakers more pleasing on the eye.

He said: "We're trying to bring the public in but you're not going to do that if you're banging the ball from the back up to the front which we did on occasion last year.

"In terms of keeping the ball at Rushden there was a massive improvement on last season but I was a little disappointed that the link-up play was not as good as it was in pre-season but that can happen if one striker is not on song.

"Clyde Wijnhard took his penalty well but his general play was not as good as it can be - I bet on Tuesday he will be a different player.''

A Darlington win tonight would be the club's 24th in all competitions at the ground which they first played at in 2003, beginning with a defeat to Kidderminster.

Quakers have drawn nine and lost 17 at the Darlington Football Stadium, scoring 64 goals and conceding 49.

l It's only 13 weeks since Hartlepool United were last at Bournemouth - and manager Martin Scott admits the quick return could play into the hands of the home side.

Pool yesterday headed for the Fitness First Stadium, where they achieved a draw on the final day of the League One season to secure a place in the play-offs at the expense of the home side.

With May 7 and the 2-2 draw fresh in the memory, Scott knows what to expect tonight.

Pool lost at home to Bradford City on Saturday in their first game of the season, but Scott admitted: "We've a great chance to bounce back after Saturday. I'm sure Bournemouth will want to get one over on us after the final game of last season.

"We've got to be patient and let everyone bed in. That stands out from Saturday.

"I think what happened on the final day of the season is an advantage for Bournemouth, because it will make them more determined to get one over on us. They play good football and play to the strengths of Steve Fletcher and I know we have to perform better.''

Pool fielded four new signings at Victoria Park on Saturday.

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