Quakers wait for Armstrong tests

Armstrong returned to the North-East yesterday, but did not train ahead of tomorrow's League Two clash with Cheltenham at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

The former Middlesbrough striker will face further tests on a hip injury this morning, while assistant manager Mark Proctor also conceded tomorrow's game may have came too early for Hignett.

The absence of Hignett, who has hit nine goals in 19 appearances, and doubts over 11-goal Armstrong, will come as a major setback to Quakers' hopes of pipping Northampton to the final play-off place.

Quakers are one place outside the play-off zone, below Northampton, who are level on points but have a two-goal advantage. To return to the top seven on the final day of the season tomorrow, Quakers need to either get a better result than Northampton, or win by three more goals than the Cobblers, who are at home to relegated Kidderminster.

"We've got to go for goals against Cheltenham and obviously it's a big blow not to have Higgy fit for the game, although we are more hopeful with Alun," said Proctor. "We will make a further check on him on Friday, but we are confident he will be able to play some part in the game.

"If Alun doesn't recover in time then we have players who can come in and do a job."

Ian Clark, Craig Russell and Akpo Sodje will compete to partner League Two player-of-the-month Clyde Wijnhard in attack if Armstrong fails to recover in time.

Ticket sales have so far been disappointing, with only 4,100 - including season tickets - sold.

Northampton have sold out their home allocation against Kidderminster and are expecting a crowd in excess of 7,000.

Meanwhile skipper Craig Liddle has returned to training, although the defender is unlikely to feature again this season. Liddle has suffered a number of injuries this season and is expected announce his retirement from the game.

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