A DARLINGTON XI play on Tuesday evening against Darlington Town, a Wearside League club that has undergone an overhaul this summer.

The game is being played on an artificial surface at Eastbourne Sports Complex where Darlington usually train, but it is also where Town play their home matches.

With a trip to Harrogate Town to come on Friday, this evening Darlington will select a team made of academy and fringe players, with manager Alun Armstrong saying the substitutes for Saturday’s match with Motherwell will be involved.

He also said Terry Galbraith and Michael Liddle could feature as they were unavailable on Saturday.

Formerly Quakers’ reserve side, Town have had a regime change with many of their squad having previously played for Darlington Albion in the Darlington Sunday Morning Invitation League.

Their new manager is Mark Stephenson, the former West Auckland Town defender, and his assistants are Dean Irvine and Paul Aldsworth.

Stephenson said: “We would like to thank the management team at Darlington for sending a strong side across to play us in this friendly. I know they have an important season ahead and appreciate them making the time for this fixture.

“The friendly will be hard work for our players but is exactly what we need to help us develop the side for the start of the season on August 3.

“Darlington have been very professional with us and we look forward to this being the start of good links being forged between the clubs.”

Kick-off is 7pm with admission is £3 for adults, and £2 for children.

Meanwhile, Darlington will return to Eastbourne on Saturday for an open day, which shall be an opportunity for supporters to meet the players and Armstrong.

Taking place between 11am and 5pm, facilities will include a bar, food outlets, disco, bouncy castle and slide, as well as the opportunity for children to play on the 4G pitch.

Quakers will be having their photos taken with sponsors and fans who have paid for the privilege in the Boost the Budget scheme, while club merchandise will also be available to buy.