TABLE-TOPPING Darlington this evening bid to extend their good form on the road when they head to Skelmersdale United, a team who have lost three successive games.

The Lancashire club won their first three matches, but are now 17th having lost five of their last seven league fixtures and Quakers aim to extend that run by strengthening their own position as leaders.

Darlington are level on points with Blyth Spartans, who are at home to Hyde United, but ahead on goal difference thanks in part to Saturday’s 3-0 win at Ramsbottom United which means Quakers have taken ten points from 12 available in their recent away games.

The match continued the ever-present runs in the side of six players, though only goalkeeper Peter Jameson has played in every minute as Phil Turnbull was substituted for the first time.

Soon after Rob Youhill’s first goal for the club made it 2-0, in a display that should ensure he keeps his place this evening, Turnbull was replaced but the former Gateshead midfielder had no complaints.

“Martin said I was coming off as we have a game on Tuesday, plus we played last Saturday and Monday too. We were on top at that stage anyway, so it was okay to make changes,” said Turnbulll, who has formed a partnership with Tom Portas in the centre of the pitch.

“It’s going well so far, Tom is a good player to play with. I’ve spoke to a few of the lads about Tom and I think he could play a lot higher. He’s a very good player and hopefully it’ll be with Darlo that he plays higher.

“It’s easy to play alongside him, and it’s the same with Leon Scott. The midfield battle, I’d say we win it most weeks and it’s a pleasure to play alongside these lads.

“I try to get on the ball as much as I can and get the tempo of our team going.

“In all honesty I’d like to do it more, but sometimes we go a bit direct because that’s the players we’ve got in the team.

“I like to make sure that we’re playing, keep us ticking over and put a few fires out.”

Saturday’s comfortable victory saw Lewis Gibbons return to the squad as a substitute following a back problem, and he is likely to be on the bench again as Chris Hunter continues at right-back.

Adam Nowakowski was part of the pre-match warm-up, but manager Martin Gray says his return from a fractured eye socket is weeks away, while striker David Dowson faces at least another fortnight out with a hamstring strain.

Neither Ryan Brobbel or Anthony Bell were part of the squad on Saturday and both wingers have now been released.