DARLINGTON FC slumped to a sixth successive defeat yesterday after the club was forced to fulfil its fixture with Mansfield Town despite a wave of illness sweeping through the squad.

On Christmas Day, the Quakers unsuccessfully tried to have the game postponed as only eight players were fit to train.

They contacted the Football League to ask for clarification on the rules regarding a postponement. But because they had enough players registered, the fixture had to go ahead. Manager Dave Penney, 42, who last played five years ago, even contemplated fielding himself.

A roll call was held at 1pm yesterday, with players feeling ill seen by the club doctor.

He sent home those who were most unwell, but four - Simon Johnson, Martin Smith, Brian Close and Craig James - were permitted to play. Shaun Reay and Josh Wright, both 17, made their professional debuts as Quakers slumped 2-0.

Penney said: "We spoke to the Football League to find out the rules, but apparently the rules are that you have to play which is why we had the youngsters in the squad. Brian, Simon and Craig really should not have played and Martin Smith threw up before the game."

In December 1996, Middlesbrough refused to play their fixture with Blackburn when 21 players were ruled out because of injury or illness. They were subsequently docked three points.

* Newcastle were beaten 2-1 at Bolton yesterday and were forced to field 38-year-old goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek for his first start for the Magpies for more than nine years.

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