Mark Brookes will miss the remainder of the season as he recovers following a recent operation on his shoulder but Dave Alderson returns to the Darlington RA squad for tomorrow's Wearside League game against Gateshead Reserves at the International Stadium, writes MALCOLM PRATT.

"It is a blow losing Mark but we all wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to him playing again at Brinkburn Road," said manager Dave Woodcock.

RA have lost Stephen Roberts to Albany Northern League side Guisborough Town but Woodcock is delighted that Alderson, who was away last weekend, can make the trip to Tyneside.