Darlington could move within a point of the play-offs tonight, providing their game at Rochdale gets the go-ahead.

The Spotland pitch will be inspected by referee Rob Lewis at 3pm following heavy rain.

If the surface is deemed unplayable it will be the eighth time this season Rochdale have had a home game postponed, including Quakers' original visit last month.

Dale haven't been helped by the fact that they share their pitch with the town's rugby side, who played there on Sunday.

After watching his side edge to within four points of the top seven after Saturday's 4-2 win over Lincoln, manager David Hodgson is keen for the game to go ahead.

He said: "It's a joke that they play rugby on it as well, but all we can do is prepare for the game as normal.

"The weather doesn't look as if it's going to be too bad between now and then."

The heavy conditions may not be to Hodgson's liking, but the Quakers boss will be ensuring his side are well equipped.

"I don't think it will be very pretty, but we've prepared for it in training," said Hodgson.

"We've done some work on playing direct, which doesn't particularly suit us, but we have to forget about the pretty side of things on this occasion."

Rochdale have not won on home soil since November - eight games ago.

While Hodgson admits the pitch will play a big part, he believes there is enough quality in his side to come away with three points.

"It's going to be a lottery for both teams," admitted Hodgson. "But, if you have better players you have a better chance. That's the way I see it."

Jonjo Dickman is ruled out after turning his ankle against Lincoln. James Beaumont, David Duke and Anthony Peacock are all vying for Dickman's place in midfield.

Quakers claimed only their second win in nine games against Lincoln, yet amazingly they remain in contention for a play-off place.

Hodgson said: "If, at the beginning of the season, I was told we would be one point outside the play-offs with six games to go I would have taken it.

"A lot of people gave up a long time ago, but now suddenly we find ourselves in a good position."

* Rochdale's main office can be contacted on 0870 822 1907 for news on this afternoon's pitch inspection.

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