Stephen Thompson will return tonight when Quakers go to the Brewery Field to face Spennymoor in the first derby of the season (writes Simon Hahn).

Thommo was unavailable for Saturday’s opening day game against Curzon Ashton, and he’ll be welcomed back on a ground where he has excelled in the past.

Who will make way for Thommo is yet to be seen, but he is almost certain to start after manager Tommy Wright admitted that he was missed on Saturday.

Despite taking the lead at home to Curzon Ashton  we fell to a 2-1 defeat a result that was made even worse by the late red card for left back Ben O'Hanlon.

Spennymoor started with a good point after a 0-0 draw away to one of the title favourites Chester. Their squad has seen some of their mainstays over recent years leave including goalkeeper Dan Lowson, Joe Tait and Callum Griffiths. However, they have made some impressive signings including Adam Boyes from Bradford Park Avenue, their top scorer last season.

Our record against the Moors is impressive; of our seven competitive meetings we have won five and  drawn two. The last meeting saw us win 2-1 at the Brewery Field in April thanks to a Joe Tait own goal.

Kick off on Tuesday is 19:45  updates on the game will be made from the club’s Facebook, Twitter and Website. Live Commentary will be broadcast on Darlo Fans Radio at 19:35.

Team News:

Darlington:

Jonny Burn is missing with a back injury. Ben O’Hanlon was sent off last Saturday, and will be suspended this Saturday.

Quakers team on the opening day:

Maddison, Trotman, Collins, Galbraith, O’Hanlon; Elliott, Hughes (sub Saunders 80), Nicholson (sub Henshall 63), Wheatley; Styche, Ainge.

Subs: Syers, Bancroft, Vaulks,

Moors opened their campaign by drawing 0-0 at Chester on Saturday, with four of their back five all new signings. They include two former Darlo players in their squad, Jamie Chandler and Rob Ramshaw.

Moors:

Gould, Williams, Curtis, Thackray, Brogan, Chandler, Ramshaw (sub Boyes 90), Foley (sub Henry 63), Anderson (sub Hibbs 76), Johnson, Taylor

Subs: Elliot, King,