Liam Hatch is back in the Darlington team which is seeking its first away win of the season at Eastbourne Borough today.

The on-loan striker, who missed the 1-1 draw at Barrow because of ankle injury, is partnered in attack by Michael Smith.

Hatch’s inclusion is one of two changes to Monday’s side, the other being Kevin Austin ‒ fit again following a thigh problem suffered at Altrincham on August 17 ‒ in for Aaron Brown at left-back.

Striker Curtis Main is on the bench for Quakers. The teenager was on trial at Bury this week, playing in a friendly on Wednesday evening.

Paul Terry, a scorer in Darlington’s last two matches, is being watched by his brother John, who is in the crowd at Priory Lane.

Unlike Quakers, Eastbourne have had no trouble finding the net this term. While Mark Cooper’s team have managed only six goals from as many matches, the Sports have struck a league-leading 14 goals, 11 of which have come at home.

Eastbourne (4-4-2): Banks; Austin, Elphick, Langston, Jenkins; Treleaven, Smart, Weatherstone, Crabb; Atkin, Taylor. Subs: Baker, Johnson, Crabb, Brinkhurst, Brown

Darlington (4-3-3): Russell; Arnison, Hone, Clarke, Austin; G Smith, Chandler, Terry; Senior, Hatch, M Smith. Subs: Main, J Gray, McReady, Offiong, Brown