Chris Hunter returns this evening, when Darlington head to bottom-of-the-table Padiham to play the first of their four crucial matches in hand.

The fixture is one of several rearranged games due to postponements in recent months, and is one of four Darlington have in hand on current leaders Salford City and third-placed Northwich Victoria.

However, Quakers can reclaim pole position this evening as they are only three points adrift and enjoy a much better goal difference – 42, compared to Salford’s 19.

Darlington’s goal difference was boosted on Saturday thanks to a 5-0 win over Ossett Town, a game Hunter, a centre-back, missed due to being married 24 hours earlier, but he is available for selection this evening’s trip to Lancashire to face the division’s bottom side.

His absence saw Gary Brown return to the centre of defence with Adam Mitchell playing at right-back for the first time in his career.

Mitchell was selected ahead of the out of favour Jordan Robinson, who has not been in the squad for the last three matches, and his performance, a week after being sent off at Salford, impressed manager Martin Gray.

“Adam Mitchell was fantastic and he was my man of the match,” said Gray. “His performance, his decision-making and his use of the ball was great. Defensively he was very good as well, he was outstanding.

“He owed me one, that’s for sure. It happens, but his response was great, not just Adam but the whole team. We’re back at it.”

Left-back Ian Watson is doubtful after leaving the field at the weekend with a dead leg, but Amar Purewal remains out with a serious knee injury.

Meanwhile, Darlington’s supporters are being given the opportunity to choose their preferred home kit for the 2015-16 season.

A choice of three kits have been revealed, and the club says each design commemorates Quakers returning to Darlington next season.

Supporters also chose the team’s current home kit, and a club statement read: “As a 100 per cent fan owned club, the directors are keen to ensure that fan engagement is maximised wherever possible – and what better place to start than for the fans to decide the kit they wish their team to wear for the exciting season that lies ahead.”

In order to cast your vote, go to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Home_Kit_Vote_2015-16

Voting forms will also be available at Quaker Retail from (open 10am-1pm, Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays). The poll closes at 5pm on Friday, February 13.

The kits will be made by Avec Sport and Darlington have announced a two-year deal with the company to remain as kit supplier, with an option to extend that arrangement for a third year.