DARLINGTON defender Craig Liddle took another important step towards regaining full fitness after playing in Saturday's behind-closed-doors game against former club, Middlesbrough.

The influential centre-back came through 40 minutes of Quakers' 1-1 draw at Boro's Rockliffe Park training ground in Hurworth, reporting no ill-effects from a knee injury.

Liddle played in the first of two 40-minute games as trialist Joaquim Ferraz grabbed his second goal in as many games against a youthful Boro side, which included Quakers' target Danny Graham.

"It was a good work-out for the lads and I'm very pleased that Craig has came through it without any problems," said Quakers' boss Hodgson.

"We all know how important he is to the team and it's great to see him back involved again."

Hodgson fielded two separate teams in either half, handing former Newcastle United defender Joe Kendrick his first start for the club. There was also a place for Portuguese striker Vitor Viera, who impressed.

Craig Russell was also involved and Hodgson has hinted that a contract for the former Sunderland striker could be in the offing.

"I've explained the situation to Craig and all it boils down to is finance," said Hodgson. "When I've brought in two strikers I can assess other financial areas."

Former Boro trio Curtis Fleming, David Murphy and Alan Harrison did not figure at the weekend. However, they are likely to be involved in Wednesday night's friendly with Bradford City at the New Stadium.

Quakers will play on a new pitch after it was re-seeded during the summer. However, Hodgson has expressed his concern that the surface has failed to benefit, despite the wet weather.

"We have a game on Wednesday and the pitch is not even ready," said Hodgson.

"It was completely stripped at the end of the season for re-seeding. We have had perfect weather conditions to re-surface it and it still needs work."

Quakers will officially unveil their new home kit for the visit of Leeds United on Tuesday, July 27.

First-half: Price, Liddle, Maddison, Clarke, Valentine, Keltie, Hughes, Clark, Convery, Byrne, Russell

Second-half: Price, McGurk, Hutchinson, Jones, Kendrick, Close, Thomas, Wainwright, Viera, Scartascini, Ferraz

* Boro, in a second behind closed doors game on Saturday, beat Huddersfield 2-1. Mendieta and Nemeth were on target.

* A youthful Darlington side beat Darlington RA 5-0.

Read more about the Quakers here.