CRAIG Hignett has delivered a major boost to Darlington's slim play-off hopes by declaring himself fit for Saturday's clash with Cheltenham Town.

Quakers' top seven aspirations hang by a thread after they slipped out of the play-off zone following Saturday's goalless draw at Lincoln.

However, any hopes David Hodgson's men do have of claiming a play-off spot have been boosted by Hignett's imminent return.

"It was only a single hernia so Craig has been able to recover a lot quicker," confirmed club physio Paul Gough. "He just needs a couple more days training and he will be about ready."

Alun Armstrong's fitness has improved, although the striker is only rated at 50-50 to return this weekend. Armstrong has been receiving treatment for a hip injury, sustained during the 2-0 win over Rushden.

Joey Hutchinson has resumed full training, although the highly-rated defender will not be considered on Saturday. The 23-year-old has not played since September after suffering cruciate knee ligament damage in the 1-1 draw at Rochdale.

"It's been a long process for Joey, but now he's out of my hands and training with the rest of the squad," said Gough. "He hasn't suffered any reaction from his knee and he's now concentrating on next season."

Striker Clyde Wijnhard has been named League Two Powerade Player of the Month for April. The Dutchman scored five goals - including two against Rushden - in four games for Quakers to take his tally for the season to 15 goals.

* Hartlepool face a battle to keep hold of manager Neal Cooper with Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline expected to place the former Ross County boss high on their wanted list.

The Pars yesterday parted company with Davie Hay just three games before the end of the season and former player Cooper is among those linked with the post.

* Hartlepool's youth team shocked Albany Northern League leaders Dunston 3-0 to lift the Durham Challenge Cup at Durham City yesterday.

The youngsters took their chances well but also had keeper James Winter to thank for two outstanding saves at crucial stages of the game.

Dunston created some early chances, with Winter saving from David Southern and Steve Pickering, then he was in the right place on his line to hold a shot on the turn from Steve Holmes.

Pools threatened when Martin Robinson finished a good run down the left with a shot straight at Stuart Dawson in the Dunston goal, and they took the lead just before half time, when they worked a free kick well for David Foley to run through and score.

Pools gave themselves breathing space on 65 minutes with a Stephen Turnbull goal. Winter then pulled off an outstanding save at the other end, when he somehow managed to claw a close range shot from Graeme Armstrong over the bar before James Brown ensured Dunston's first defeat by a North-East club this season when he beat Dawson from ten yards from a right wing cross.

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