AS they go in search of a much-needed win, Darlington could not ask for opposition in worse form, although today’s opponents Leamington could say something similar.

Leamington head to Blackwell Meadows having lost seven of their last eight fixtures, leaving them as the division’s second-bottom side.

A last-minute goal saw them lose 3-2 to Alfreton on Tuesday, a game Leamington led early on after a penalty scored by goalkeeper Tony Breeden, on the same evening Darlington toiled to a deserved defeat at Chorley.

As good as they were going forward in the first half at Southport seven days ago, ultimately losing 2-0, Quakers were second best from start to finish against Chorley, suffering a 4-1 loss which is likely to instigate changes in tactics and personnel today.

Manager Martin Gray has recalled Nathan Cartman from his loan spell at Farsley Celtic, while Terry Galbraith believes he will be fit enough to return from injury, but Gary Brown remains sidelined with concussion.

Adam Bartlett’s heroics prevented Chorley from enjoying a bigger winning margin and it is of relief to Gray that that the goalkeeper has made sure of his availability by leaving his position with Middlesbrough.

His employment in the Boro’s academy had resulted in him missing at match at North Ferriby a fortnight ago, but he will continue between the sticks today as Quakers look for a first win in seven matches.

In the midst of Darlington’s deeply disappointing run, they could do worse than look towards Tom Portas for inspiration.

The midfielder returned to first-team action a fortnight ago, ending 11 months on the sidelines with a severe ankle injury and, the Teessider admits, there were times he feared his football career was over.

He’d been on the end of a dreadful challenge in a match against Stalybridge Celtic last September, Callum Bagshaw the culprit, and only after what seemed like, for Portas, endless rehabilitation and fitness work has he been able to return.

Quakers have been careful with him. First there were outings in the reserves, then a few minutes in pre-season, and not until the seventh match of this season did Gray hand Portas a competitive game, in the starting line-up at North Ferriby.

It ended 1-1, hardly the dream return, and neither was his second start – Tuesday’s 4-1 loss at Chorley - but Portas is glad to be back and now wants to reclaim his spot in the team.

“I had 90 minutes against North Ferriby which went well apart from the result, but other than that I’m glad to be back because it’s been a long 11 months,” he said.

“I’m trying to get back into the start starting XI consistently now, that’s the aim.

“There were times when I didn’t know whether I wanted to keep going. There were stages when I thought I would get through, but then there’d be a setback and it was very frustrating.

“There were times when I felt like quitting football.

“There was a long time when I was stood still, when I couldn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.

“But there’s good lads at the club who have given me encouragement, they’ve kept telling me everything was going to be alright and I’m glad to be back playing now.”

It was an impressive appearance as a substitute seven days ago at Southport that earned a starting spot on Tuesday.

“I was dying to get on,” he added. “I don’t travel to sit on the bench, I want to be playing. I want to make a massive impact and as soon as my chance comes I know I’ll take it.”

Portas, however, admits there was no certainty he would be required for action once he had completed his rehabilitation.

In recent seasons team-mates Amar Purewal and Arran Wearmouth both left the club not long after returning from long-term injuries, but Gray is keen to give Portas a chance.

“A lot of things go through your head,” admitted the ex-Whitby man. “A lot of players have come through the door since I got injured, but the manager has always reassured me that players have been brought in because of my injury.

“Martin’s always been there for me, he’s been top drawer. Considering I’ve not played at this level for 11 months, I don’t feel rusty at all.

“My role is to get forward from deep, but not only that Martin has been talking to me about how to play the game better, how to be better off the ball.

“Getting back into the team is the next thing, not only that but also making sure I’m in the team every week. I don’t want to be sat on the bench, my aim is to play.”