Darlington manager David Hodgson is hoping that Clyde Wijnhard can shake off a groin strain in time for tomorrow's important promotion clash at Northampton Town.

The injury forced the powerful Dutch striker to leave the action early in the second half of last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Oxford United at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

He was not expected to return to training until today, although Craig Hignett has fully recovered from a virus and could partner Alun Armstrong in attack against the Cobblers.

Sixth-placed Quakers badly need to take something from the game at the Sixfields Stadium as Northampton moved three points ahead of them with a game in hand after their 2-1 win at Grimsby Town on Tuesday night.

Darlington hit a brick wall at the weekend as they went in search of a third successive win in 2005, with the visitors pulling everyone behind the ball for almost the entire second half.

Quakers had started well, Adolfo Gregorio scoring his first goal in English football to give them the lead after just eight minutes. The American picked the ball up in midfield and advanced unchallenged before shooting home left-footed from 20 yards out.

Armstrong then missed a good chance to increase the lead and Oxford drew level through Jamie Brooks just past the half-hour mark.

Darlington were in complete control in the second half, but couldn't break down a stubborn visiting rearguard.

Keeper Sam Russell was a virtual spectator for the entire 45 minutes, but kept his concentration to keep out a powerful long-range effort from Tommy Mooney when Oxford mounted a rare break.

The impressive Adrian Webster then almost grabbed a deserved winner for the home side, but shot straight at Oxford keeper Chris Tardiff.

Quakers will certainly feel it was two points dropped against a side struggling in the bottom half of the League Two table, but their recent performances have been good enough to justify hopes of a play-off place.