Darlington manager David Hodgson will be hoping the feelgood factor generated by last Sunday's highly successful fundraising games at the Reynolds Arena will rub off on his players when they tackle Rochdale tomorrow.

The crowd of more than 14,000, which ensured the club's survival for the next two months, were richly entertained by an array of stars including Paul Gascoigne, Kenny Dalglish, Bryan Robson, Chris Waddle and Peter Beardsley.

The appearance of members of Quakers' Wembley squads of 1996 and 2000 also brought back memories of happier times.

But the onus is on the current players to provide some much-needed cheer when they continue the search for vital points in tomorrow's Division Three clash.

Their most pressing need is to find a solution to the goalscoring problems which have blighted their season to date.

There was more good news on that front this week, with striker Barry Conlon deciding to stay at Darlington despite transfer interest from several clubs.

The big Irishman has been struggling to find the target recently, but there is no doubt his experience is vital to Quakers as they fight to avoid relegation.

Hodgson is also hoping the fans will again turn out in force to both ease the club's financial worries and give their struggling team a lift.

Tomorrow's opponents are nine points clear of Quakers, but a defeat would have them nervously looking over their shoulders. The game provides a real opportunity for Darlington to drag another team into the relegation battle, but Ryan Valentine will miss the game through suspension.