WHEN striker Barry Conlon left Darlington for Barnsley in the summer few would have anticipated the problems manager David Hodgson would encounter, finding a suitable replacement.

But the departure of Conlon, who agreed terms on a move to South Yorkshire in May, is still hitting hard at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

And as Hodgson continues his search for a frontman - with former Aberdeen forward Hicham Zerouali due on trial this week - Conlon will make a swift return to the North-East tonight in the first round of the Carling Cup.

The 25-year-old may well have been lining up against the Tykes had the club's financial situation been different. Conlon rejected a number of offers to leave the club last season, in order to help Quakers avoid relegation. But with crippling debts Conlon eventually moved to Oakwell as Hodgson sought ways to ease the wage bill.

"I had chances to leave before the end of the season but I was straight with the gaffer and told him that I wanted to stick it out and help Darlington stay up," said Conlon.

"Last season was difficult for everybody connected with the club but hopefully those problems are behind them and they can now concentrate on doing well on the pitch.

"It was a difficult decision to make when I left because I had three fantastic years with the club."

And while Conlon looks back on a Quakers career which produced 42 goals in 125 appearances, the Irishman hopes his relationship with the fans has not wavered despite his exit.

"I've always had a good relationship with the Darlington fans and hopefully that will continue," said Conlon. "It's always strange going back to your old club because you're never quite sure what kind of reception to expect.

"I spoke to the fans at the end of the last game at Scunthorpe last season and they were great with me."

Conlon -- who scored his first goal for Barnsley in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Walsall - is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits against his old teammates tonight.

"I couldn't believe it when I saw the draw and I've been looking forward to it ever since," said Conlon. "I still keep in touch with the lads and they are always the first result I look for.

"I was talking to Neil Maddison on Sunday and by all accounts the lads have been playing very well."

* Mark Tinkler is looking forward to renewing old accquaintances tonight, when Hartlepool meet Macclesfield in the Carling Cup.

The visitors are unbeaten this season and include former Pool midfielder Tommy Widdrington in their side.

After a shaky start to his Pool days, Widdrington went onto become a mainstay in the promotion side of 2002-3.

He made 56 league appearances for Pool before being released at the end of the season by then boss Mike Newell.

Widdrington linked up with Macclesfield and made 34 appearances last season, before being appointed skipper this summer under boss Brian Horton.

And, after the disappointment of a 1-1 draw with Blackpool on Saturday, Tinkler can't wait to get back into action.

"I bet he can't wait to play us,'' quipped Tinkler.

"We want to play quickly after Saturday's disappointment and Macclesfield are flying this season with the old man in there."

Read more about the Quakers here.