Martin Gray has selected a surprise line-up for today’s FA Cup encounter with Blyth Spartans with Alan White dropping to the bench.

The veteran centre-back, who was subbed late on during the midweek draw with Farsley, is a substitute and it leaves Quakers supporters guessing who will partner Chris Hunter at the heart of defence.

Gary Brown is a candidate, as is the recalled Jordan Robinson.

Robinson is one of three changes, the others being Adam Reed and Amar Purewal.

Making way is Ryan Noble and Leon Scott, both of whom are on the bench for the first qualifying round, the winners of which receive £3,000.

On the Blyth bench is Paul Robinson, who was briefly with Quakers last season.

Darlington: Jameson; Brown, Hunter, Robinson, Galbraith; A Mitchell, Reed, Portas, Thompson; Purewal, Armstrong.

Subs: Bell (gk), White, Scott, Dowson, Hatch, Noble, Fisher

Blyth Spartans: Jeffries, Nicholson, I Watson, J Watson, Buddle, Hooks, Bell, Hutchinson, Rivers, Hawkins, Dale.

Subs: Maguire, Cummings, Robinson, Wearmouth, Sayer, Mullen, Grant