PETER DUFFIELD last night expressed his fears that a return to Darlington could fall through.

The much-travelled striker, is out of favour at Third Division rivals Boston, despite scoring five goals in 12 appearances.

Duffield has been told he can leave and the Middlesbrough-born forward has made no secret of his desire to return to the North-East.

However, the 34-year-old will not be allowed to leave until Boston boss Neil Thompson has signed Hartlepool striker Adam Boyd. A permanent deal is imminent after Boyd had after a successful two-month loan spell.

"I can't understand why the manager is insisting that I stay when I'm not a regular in the team," said Duffield.

"I'm the second top scorer here but it seems that isn't enough."

Duffield's last appearance for Quakers came at Wembley in the Third Division play-off final defeat by Peterborough in 2000. He has fond memories of the club and returned to play in Sunday's charity match at the Reynolds Arena.

"I had some very good times at Darlington and I would jump at the chance of going back," said Duffield. "I enjoyed the charity match and I've told Neil Thompson I want to go but he has told me it isn't possible at the moment.

"I'm out of contract at the end of the season and I really need to be playing first-team football."

The club remain optimistic that tomorrow's clash at home to Rochdale will go ahead, with the help of a protective cover over the Reynolds Arena pitch.