It's rags to riches for Quakers' boss

A week after Hodgson had 11 players unavailable against Boston United, Quakers' boss could have 21 first-team players at his disposal this weekend.

Alun Armstrong, Clyde Wijnhard and Neil Wainwright are available after serving one-match bans, while midfielder Adrian Webster played 65 minutes for the reserves yesterday. Ian Clark is close to full fitness following an ankle injury, while Craig Hignett has recovered from a groin problem.

Assistant manager Mark Proctor said: "There are four or five senior players who aren't even going to make the final 16 on Saturday.

"It's unbelievable when you consider the situation we were in this time last week."

While skipper Craig Liddle is doubtful with a stomach injury, Hodgson could have further options if Matty Appleby seals a free transfer from Oldham Athletic. The former Quakers favourite is out of contract at the end of the season and has been negotiating a settlement deal with the Latics.

"Everything is agreed at our end and it's just a case of settling one or two details at Oldham's end," revealed Proctor.

Appleby watched Neil Maddison's second string lose 3-1 to Doncaster Rovers yesterday, when defender Chris Mason was stretchered off in the 30th minute after swallowing his tongue in an accidental clash with Quakers' keeper Michael Price,

Released Newcastle United striker Lewis Guy, a recent target for Quakers, hit two first-half goals for Rovers before Ryan Valentine reduced the deficit on the stroke of half-time. Jermaine McSporran struck Rovers' third in the 59th minute. Huddersfield striker Akpo Sodje was in a strong Quakers' line-up and could return to the club on trial next week.

Darlington: Price, Valentine, Fleming, Mason (Pattinson 30mins), Janes, Gilroy, Webster (McLeod 65 mins), Gregorio, Wainwright, Wijnhard (Parkin 65mins), Sodje Subs (not used): Hughes, Logan.

Read more about the Quakers here.