DARLINGTON begin their home programme this season with a double-header, hosting Kidderminster Harriers this afternoon and Sheffield United in the Worthington Cup on Monday evening.

Nearly a year ago Kidderminster inflicted Darlington's first home defeat of the season and manager Gary Bennett will hope there is no repeat this time.

The Quakers boss wants his side to get off to a flying start at home and is likely to keep faith with the same 11 who deserved at least a share of the spoils at Southend United last week.

Despite losing, Darlington bossed the majority of the second period against ten-man Shrimpers following an even opening 45 minutes. And with a cooler head in front of goal, Quakers would have returned from Essex three points better off.

Bennett has no fresh injury worries and several first-teamers came through the reserves' run-out at Lincoln on Wednesday unscathed to give their manager food for thought before he names his side.

Striker Kirk Jackson, Adam Reed, who is now fully fit, and Phil Brumwell all featured on Wednesday, while Clint Marcelle is making a return to fitness.

Kidderminster finished 16th last season in their first year in the Football League, having won the Nationwide Conference the previous season.

Their 2-1 win at Feethams during October, courtesy of two strikes from John Durnin - who has since left the club - was one of only three away victories for the team managed by ex-Liverpool schemer Jan Molby.

Given their manager's pedigree, Harriers will aim to play the passing game which saw them take points off promoted Cardiff and Brighton last year.

Bennett knows what is required of his team.

"They're a team that likes to keep the ball on the floor, passing it around, and that's what we like to do as well, so all we've got to do is match them for work-rate and then increase our own work-rate," he said.

"They're all dangerous. They've got some good players and I've got some good players as well, but that means nothing on paper if they don't go out there and perform."

Durnin was involved in a fracas with Darlington's Martin Gray in the tunnel at the end of last October's encounter, but Bennett says that's all water under the bridge.

The visitors will feature ex-Hartlepool wing-back Sam Shilton, who made his debut in his new team's 1-0 win over Scunthorpe United on the opening day of the season.

Released by Pool this summer, Shilton scored in Darlington's 2-0 defeat at their derby rivals two years ago.

Captain Craig Liddle was disappointed to lose last week but is hoping Quakers can bounce back.

"Last week was a day where we should have got more out of the game so I think against Kidderminster it is very important we take not just one point, but three.

"They came to our place last year and beat us 2-1 and they looked a very good side, but after that they dropped down so these are the teams we've got to take maximum points from."

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