NEW Quakers signing Alun Armstrong will be hoping to make a similar impact to fellow new boy Craig Hignett when he makes his debut against Northampton Town at the Williamson Motors Stadium tomorrow.

Hignett is sure to receive a warm welcome when he makes his first home appearance tomorrow.

The former Middlesbrough man made himself an instant hit with the Darlington fans when his late equaliser earned his new club a point on his debut at Rochdale last Saturday.

The arrival of Armstrong, who has signed a short-term deal until Christmas after failing to win a new contract at Ipswich Town, adds to the already long list of ex-Boro players at Darlington.

He is a proven goalscorer, but a catalogue of injury problems have prevented the 29-year-old from realising his full potential.

Quakers manager David Hodgson will be hoping he can stay fit enough to solve his side's chronic striking problems.

Quakers were heading for a disappointing defeat at Spotland when Hignett arrived at the far post to head home Craig Liddle's cross three minutes from time.

The goal crowned a promising display by the 34-year-old, who replaced Matt Clarke as Craig Russell's strike partner, but Darlington generally struggled.

They fell behind when Dale striker Gary Holt got the better of Liddle to score his fifth goal of the season on the half-hour, but improved in the second half despite losing Joey Hutchinson with a knee injury.

Neil Wainwright hit the post soon after replacing Mark Convery and Brian Close had an effort disallowed just before Hignett's intervention.

Clarke, who came on for Hutchinson, could be on his way to Bradford City in an exchange deal, but the move will be put on hold if Hutchinson fails to recover in time to face Northampton.

The Cobblers were tipped as promotion contenders before the start of the season, but currently have one point less than Darlington, who are 12th with ten points.

Quakers need to start turning draws into wins if they are to move up the table.