Unfortunately our game last week at home to Lancaster City was called off due to a waterlogged pitch which means it has been two weeks since our last fixture, the 1-1 draw with Clitheroe.
Heritage Park has struggled to cope with two teams playing on it at times since our move in 2012 and despite not seeing huge amounts of rainfall, last weekends game was our first causality of the season. They will surely be further games called off over the Christmas period, however we can just make the best of the current situation.
One plus from last weekend was that Tom Portas, who was one yellow card away from suspension, has had his cards so far this season wiped out now that we are in December.
Most of our promotion rivals were able to win last weekend, with the exception of Northwich Victoria. Northwich lost 2-1 away to Harrogate, a result which saw us stay top of the table for the time being. The league is already looking very tough and multiple teams have put themselves in a position to challenge for the title in the new year.
My personal opinion is it will boil down to us and Salford. Salford will surely have the option to strengthen if needed, but I like to think we would be able to as well. For this weekend anyway Salford will not be playing, due to their game at Ossett Town already being postponed.
Our opposition, New Mills, are second bottom of the table and struggling. The travelling Darlington fans will go their surely expecting a victory, however any of them can think of many occasions when we expected to win a game and did not. New Mills have lost three out of their last four league games, however these have all come against teams at the top of the table.
In terms of our team, the suspensions from last weekend are carried over, which means no Gary Brown, Chris Hunter or Liam Hatch. Two players are expected to join the squad tomorrow after being present in training on Thursday night. New signing Nelson Mota will make his debut for the club and it will be exciting to see how he gets on.
Possibly more importantly though is Jordan Robinson making his return. The defender/midfielder has been out for months following a fractured cheek bone. however he trained wearing a mask this week. Sometimes I haven’t given Robinson too much praise, but it is good to see a versatile player return to the squad, especially at a time when we are struggling for numbers defensively.
Away from the pitch it is good to see the club launch the Christmas mini season ticket package. For anyone who does not have a season ticket it is a great idea. A ticket for the rest of the season along with a replica top and another t-shirt. Here is the link for the full details.
http://www.darlington1883.co.uk/?p=7823
Unfortunately for myself I am missing yet another game, away games this season have been few and far between for myself. Instead I am at Seaham to watch them take on North Shields in the FA Vase, which will be a great game itself.
Hopefully though when I check at 5pm tomorrow we will have another three points in the bag.
Prediction
New Mills 1 -3 Darlington
Simon Hahn 