DARLINGTON go in search of a first away win since October when they visit Boston United today for their first match in a fortnight.

Last Saturday’s home match with bottom-of-the-table Altrincham was postponed, Quakers’ first rearrangement of the season, so their aim of building on an encouraging performance last time out has been delayed until this afternoon.

A fortnight ago they drew 1-1 at Chorley, a good result against a play-off rival, though bettered in midweek by Boston, who beat the same opposition 3-1 at York Street.

“We were down there on Tuesday night, Harry Dunn was there and has given us a full report on them,” said Quakers boss Martin Gray.

“They got a penalty, a soft penalty, which got them back into the match and changed the game.

“The crowd got behind them and spurred them on, like ours does, so we can look forward to a good atmosphere on Saturday.

“We’re looking to continue the form from Chorley. We want to go down there and put on a good show, we have to do that.”

Boston gave an outing to new signing Karl Hawley, selected ahead of former Darlington target Richard Brodie, who has been shown the door after three underwhelming appearances, but Gray will not be renewing his interest in the striker.

Mark Beck and Nathan Cartman are likely to be his preferred attacking partnership today, despite the availability of Liam Hardy.

He has just spent a month on loan at previous club Buxton, scoring five goals, but the best he can hope for is a place on the bench.

Hawley, a former Carlisle United team-mate of Boston manager Adam Murray, scored against Quakers for Stourbridge at Heritage Park last season, and Gray added: “We’ve come across him before, he’s played at a higher level too, but so have some of my team.

“Our players have to be aware of him because give him half a chance and he’ll score.”

Before beating Chorley, Boston had lost three of their previous four matches. Managed by former Mansfield midfielder Murray – who played against Quakers in the FA Trophy final – Boston are enduring a disappointing season, having been losing play-off semi-finalists in each of their previous two campaigns.

Right-back in each of those seasons was Liam Marrs, who joined Darlington last summer, but he is is out of action due to an ankle knock.

“I’m sure he would like to play down there against his old club, and he did very well against them earlier in the season. He’s getting closer,” said Gray, who can call on Chris Hunter as he has recovered from a rib injury.

Darlington beat Boston 4-1 in August in the second game of a terrific start to the season.

Gray added: “They have made lots of changes since then, they’ve got a new management team and that was a great result for them against Chorley. It will be a tough game and we’ll have to be on our mettle and if we are I expect us to get the right result.”

After a strong start to the campaign, Quakers have stumbled since October 29, when they won 4-1 win at Harrogate Town. They have not won away since and claimed victory in just two of their 12 league fixtures.