DARLINGTON are hoping to be in party mood after this afternoon's visit of Boston United to the Reynolds Arena.

Quakers have a great chance to extend their unbeaten run, though manager Mick Tait last night delivered a warning to his in-form side, who can make it five division three games without defeat.

Tait, whose team has secured two wins and two draws to climb to 16th in the Third Division, said: "I've spoken to a few people this week and they're all saying this is a good chance to keep our run going but it doesn't work like that," said Tait.

"The last thing we want to be doing is taking these games for granted. If we start doing that there's a good chance we'll end up losing.

"This will be just as hard as any other game we have had this season. It's not a case of just turning up and winning."

Providing the switched-on version of the Quakers team turn up, the form book would suggest a tea-time stroll for Tait's men, who have taken maximum points from their last three Reynolds Arena outings while the Pilgrims have picked up just one point on their travels.

"We've had to work very hard to get good results at home," said Tait "None have been easy and Boston will be no different."

Pilgrims boss Neil Thompson, meanwhile, has identified Quakers striker Barry Conlon as the main threat to his side.

Thompson knows all about the big Dubliner, having signed the player during his time in charge of York City.

"Barry Conlon can be a handful," said Thompson. "He's a good target man and he's got a good left foot.

"I've told the defence about him and we'll prepare as best we can to look at all their strengths and weaknesses."

Having charted Quakers' recent run of results, Thompson believes his side, who recorded a League double over Tait's men last season, will be in for a tougher test this time around.

"Darlington had a good win over Doncaster and good results against York and Torquay; there's a bit of form they've got there right now," said Thompson, whose side claimed only their second win of the season over Bury last week.

"We had a good win there last season and that was a big boost of confidence for everyone. We're going in to the game on the back of a win but our away form has to pick up. We've played some resilient teams but we haven't been done over badly by anyone. We just need to improve a little."

Thompson is without duo Neil Redfearn (foot) and striker Graeme Jones (knee), while former Norwich defender Daryl Sutch faces a late fitness test on a hamstring injury.

Midfielder Tom Bennett returns to the side following a groin strain, while former Quakers striker Peter Duffield is expected to continue in attack.

Gary Pearson is available for Quakers before he starts a four-match ban but the midfielder may have to settle for a place on the bench, with Tait likely to keep faith with the side which lost in the Carling Cup at Wolves in midweek.

Ian Clark, who came off the bench to score the equaliser at Torquay last week, looks set for only his third start of the season after a lively outing in the 2-0 defeat at Molineux.

The 28-year-old, a £10,000 signing from Hartlepool two years ago, has struggled to hold down a regular place this season, but after a couple of assured displays, the Stockton-born player has forced his way back into the reckoning, much to the delight of Tait.

"It's good for a manager to see players taking their chance and that's exactly what Ian has done," said Tait.

"He has shown the right sort of attitude when he's been out of the side.

"He did very well when he came on for Neil Wainwright last week and it was good to see him get a goal."

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