HE has scored three goals in his first three games, but such is Darlington’s form Dave Syers is not assured of a place in the starting line-up tomorrow at Tamworth.

Each of the recent signing’s three goals have come as a substitute, constituting a perfect ‘hat-trick’ having netted with both feet as well as his head, though spread across his three appearances.

The former Bradford City attacking midfielder scored within 120 seconds of entering the fray last Saturday in a 4-1 win at Harrogate Town, needed only four minutes to find the net the previous week against Worcester City and 21 on his debut win over Gainsborough Trinity.

But with second-placed Quakers in top form – unbeaten in eight and having scored 20 goals in five matches – Martin Gray is unlikely to make changes tomorrow.

“He’s got to keep doing what he’s doing, but he has given us a good problem,” admitted Gray.

“Dave’s an experienced pro, so he knows his chances will come throughout the season.

“He has been making an impact and he’s got to keep doing that, the lads in midfield have got to try and keep him out of the team.

“There’ll be horses for courses. There’ll be certain pitches and formations which will change things for us.”

Winger Josh Gillies and right-back Liam Marrs left the pitch last Saturday with slight knocks, but Gray says both will be available tomorrow, however, Tom Portas remains sidelined with an ankle injury sustained last month.

Gillies gave Darlington an early lead with a curling finish at Harrogate, putting him on five goals for the season, and Gray is delighted with his summer arrival’s form.

“He has been great for us and has got better and better, and has got used to the level very quickly,” said the boss.

“His ball retention is great, his set-plays are consistently very good, but as well as that his work off the ball is very good, closing the ball down. He’s had to buy into that as that’s what we build our teams on.”