Quakers’ fighting sprit (From The Northern Echo)

Quakers’ fighting sprit

8:00am Friday 10th February 2012 in Darlington FC News By Craig Stoddart, Deputy Sports Editor

Darlington's preparations for tomorrow's game with second-placed Wrexham has seen the squad come to blows - in a boxing training session.

The freezing weather means that the game is in doubt and a pitch inspection will be held today at The Northern Echo Arena.

Wintry conditions have meant Craig Liddle and the squad have undertaken different methods from their usual training routines.

The interim manager said: "We've been at East Durham College in Peterlee and they've been really helpful because we've had use of their 3G pitch and indoor facilities like the boxing gym so we have been able to train.

"On Tuesday afternoon we had a boxing session which was different and good fun. There were a few aches and pains the next morning after the lads had used muscles that they don't usually.

"It was mainly upper-body work. They did eight three-minute rounds, on the bags and doing sit-ups.

"A couple of the younger lads were cheating by bobbing and weaving instead of punching the bag, but everybody enjoyed it. It was a good team bonding session because everybody was pulling each other along.

"At times you have got to do physical work when it's difficult to do normal training. It's been a challenge, but the lads have been upbeat and they've enjoyed the challenge.

"On Monday we had a light run that the lads didn't really enjoy. It just keeps them ticking over because they need to keep on top of their fitness with them not playing.

"They didn't complain to me, they might've had a little mutter when I left the dressing room, but they understand that they've got to keep on top of their fitness."

A pitch inspection will be conducted by a local referee this morning. The Welsh squad plan to set off today, but Quakers must cover any costs incurred by the travelling team if the match is forced off after they have started their journey.

Liddle is keen that the match is played as his team have not played a competitive game for a fortnight as last Saturday's match at Mansfield was postponed.

That has been rearranged for Tuesday, February 21 and means Darlington will have three successive away games, starting with Tuesday's trip to Southport followed four days later by the game at Alfreton.

After last weekend's game was postponed, Liddle arranged a friendly against Spennymoor on an all-weather surface at East Durham College, and he also has a contingency plan for tomorrow with a friendly against Durham City on their all-weather pitch pencilled in.