Darlington's defensive woes will force manager Dave Penney into more changes tonight as they aim to continue this season's cup success.

Mansfield Town visit the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy as Quakers bid to reach the Northern Section semi-final.

Cup runs have been thin on the ground in recent seasons, so tonight's fifth tie of the season is their highest total in knock-out football for four years.

This Saturday sees a sixth game as Quakers face Swansea City in the FA Cup, but their cause has not been aided by injuries to key defenders.

With Darren Holloway (hamstring), Ville Vaisanen (groin) and Joey Hutchinson (hip) injured, on loan Mark Albrighton came into the side on Saturday but he's cup-tied for this week's double-header, having played for Boston United in both competitions.

Matt Clarke was initially ruled out of the weekend win over MK Dons with a back injury so was to be sent back to Bradford City, but was then able to train on Friday so was included in Saturday's squad.

However, his one-month loan expired after Saturday and the Bantams want him back.

Brian Close is likely to partner Patrick Collins in central defence this evening with David Duke recalled at right-back for his first start since the shock win at Tranmere Rovers in the last round.

"We're short at centre-half. Bradford only wanted Matt out of the club for a month to get games," explained Penney, who is a strong contender for the manager of the month award after winning all four games in November.

"We've got Albrighton but he can't play on Tuesday or Saturday. We're hoping Joey will be fit soon but Darren is going to be another couple of weeks. It was a bad one, he pulled up quite sharp so I'd say he is out for a minimum of three weeks.

"I want to get Joey fit so I can have a look at him, but he certainly won't be fit for Tuesday.

"It's not ideal but you've just got to get on with it. We're at home so hopefully we won't have to do as much defending."

On loan midfielder Anthony Griffith is cup-tied, and Doncaster have refused him permission to play in the FA Cup this weekend.

Also unavailable is striker Gaetano Giallanza who, on his specialist's advice, will be rested for a month in a bid to cure his nagging knee injury.

Penney would like to make further changes this evening but competition rules stipulate that six of a team's starting XI must have appeared in most matches this season.

Despite this, Martin Smith will be rested, allowing Carlos Logan a rare start, while Clark Keltie is suspended for one-match after his red card on Saturday. There could be recalls for Julian Joachim and Kalu Ngoma.

Hutchinson and Close's contracts both expire at Christmas and Penney is yet to make a decision on their futures.

l Danny Wilson will have to ring the changes for Saturday's FA Cup tie at Macclesfield.

The Hartlepool boss is seeking permission for his two loan signings - Darryl Duffy and Andy Monkhouse - to play, but is unlikely to get the go-ahead.

And he will also be without Gary Liddle, after the midfielder was booked for the fifth time this season at the weekend.

Matty Robson was rested for the win over Wycombe, but could earn a quick return at the weekend, while Antony Sweeney will start in Liddle's central midfield berth.

"Matty hasn't been himself, he's been out of sorts of late,'' said Wilson. "Sometimes taking a player out of the picture and allowing him a rest and the chance to see the game from a distance does him the world of good.

"Maybe his confidence has been affected a bit. We've brought Andy in for a month, but Matty is still part of my plans.''