Darlington visit Division Three new boys Yeovil Town tomorrow badly in need of a boost after a disappointing week which has seen their playing resources stretched to the limit.

A 4-0 home defeat by Bristol Rovers last Saturday was followed by an exit from the LDV Vans Trophy at the hands of high-flying Hull City, who won 3-1 at the Reynolds Arena on Tuesday night.

Bur perhaps even more worrying for Quakers fans was the loss of leading scorer Barry Conlon to injury against the Pirates. The big striker was taken off on a stretcher and could be out for up to six weeks with ligament damage.

His loss is a big blow for manager Mick Tait, who is already having to cope without experienced men such as keeper Andy Collett and winger Neil Wainwright. In addition, striker Glen Robson is struggling with a hamstring injury and David McGurk serves a one-match suspension tomorrow.

At least Tait will be able to call on the services of Danny Mellanby and Gary Pearson, who return from suspenion, and on-loan Blackburn winger Alan Morgan.

Quakers fell behind against Rovers after 38 minutes when teenager Lewis Haldane scored from close range and found themselves 2-0 down soon after Conlon's departure early in the second half.

Young keeper Michael Price was left helpless when a shot by Dave Savage took a deflection and the visitors then cruised to victory with two goals from Andy Rammell.

The only bright spot of the week was a goal for Mark Sheeran which gave Quakers hope of a late comeback against Hull.

But the Tigers, already 2-0 up after hitting the target twice just before half-time, sewed up victory a minute later with a goal by Ryan Williams.

Yeovil have made an inconsistent start to the season, with seven wins and six defeats, but Darlington will certainly be the underdogs in tomorrow's encounter.

They then face another tough assignment in the West Country when they tackle Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.