AFTER the most unsettling of weeks. Darlington are aiming to put their off-field troubles behind them at Alfreton.

Quakers won’t be participating in the play-offs, but still want to finish as high as possible up the league.

Under National League regulations, updated in May last year, clubs seeking promotion from the divisions below must provide at least 500 covered seats for spectators – Darlington have only 280 at Blackwell Meadows.

The club outfit missed a March 31 deadline to deliver enough seating to reach “Category A” ground requirements.

Ironically, had they finished top and secured the one automatic promotion spot, the club would have been granted an extended 12-month period to complete ground upgrades.

And, while Quakers are firmly in the hunt for a play-off spot, they won’t be able to take part in the end of season shake-up – albiet the club is appealing the ruling.

The club has issued a lengthy statement over the issue, but manager Martin Gray has refused to comment on the situation.

Gray and co head to Derbyshire having lost just once in their last eight matches, while Alfreton have lost their last four, not scoring either along the way.

Earlier in the season at Heritage Park, Alfreton inflicted Quakers’ first defeat of the season - 4-3 in their sixth league game.

Manager Gray said: “The players have been fantastic this season, and I’m sure they’ll produce another great performance at Alfreton.

“They played some very good football last Saturday, and for me, the third goal was the best of the season because of the quality of movement, passing and teamwork in the build-up.

“But as usual in this league, their attitude has to be spot on if we are to come away with all three points.

“We’ll be going there with plenty of confidence after last week’s victory, and to maintain our good away record.”

Quakers lost on their last away trip at Fylde, but have lost only three of their 19 away games, at Kidderminster, Telford and Tamworth.

Skipper Kevin Burgess is added to the squad after serving a one-match ban for his dismissal against Fylde, while midfielder Josh Falkingham, who has turned in several man of the match displays away from home in recent weeks, is expected to have recovered from injury.