Quakers have started the season well in their new surroundings with three wins from five matches, but Blyth are unbeaten so far in their five matches, dropping only two points in the process. They were held at home by Nantwich Town last Saturday, but they remained on top of the table. Quakers are sixth, four points behind Blyth.

“It’s all set up for a great game,” said Darlington manager Martin Gray. “It’s a big local derby, both teams have started well, and there should be a really good crowd, especially as we’re the only game on in the immediate area at that time.”

Striker Graeme Armstrong is probably going to return up front, which means that goal machine Alan White, who scored twice at Colwyn Bay on Saturday, might be on the bench.

“We have to look after Graeme,” said MG. “He’s just come back from injury and building up his match fitness still. We thought it best to leave him out of the Colwyn Bay game.”

Left back Terry Galbraith might be missing because of a slight calf injury.

MG was delighted with the win at Colwyn Bay on Saturday.

“It was great to get our first away win of the season under our belts. It was an excellent performance, but I was disappointed that we conceded two soft goals.

“We started with Alan White up front because we needed a target man and a focal point for our attacks. I told the players a few things before the game, and they listened to me. Our finishing was better than it was at Workington in midweek.”

Today’s game also pitches brother against brother, Darlington’s Phil against his twin Stephen. There’s a feature about them in tomorrow’s match programme.

The teams played each other last season in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup. They drew 0-0 at Heritage Park when Blyth keeper Peter Jeffries saved a penalty from Stephen Thompson, then Blyth won the replay 3-0, a result that started them on their way to the third round of the FA Cup.