Darlington caretaker manager Mick Tait may have reached a critical point in his bid to secure the position on a permanent basis.

He must lift his shell-shocked troops for tomorrow's daunting assignment at promotion-chasing Oxford United after last Saturday's disappointing FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Farnborough Town.

The 3-2 defeat in the third round tie at Feethams was Tait's first real setback since taking over from Tommy Taylor just over two months ago and the trip to the Kassam Stadium will provide an immediate test of his side's powers of recovery.

To add to the manager's problems, midfielder Clark Keltie and defender Stuart Whitehead will both miss tomorrow's match after reaching five bookings for the season. They join Barry Conlon on the sidelines as the striker is in the middle of a three-match ban.

On a more positive note, goalkeeper Andy Collett may be available for a starting place after returning to the bench against Farnborough.

Quakers badly missed Conlon's strength and physical presence against the Nationwide Conference side, who used their height and power to good effect in difficult conditions.

Although Darlington struck the woodwork five times in all, they always struggled to play their preferred passing game on a snow-covered pitch against determined opponents.

The visitors struck the first blow after ten minutes when ex-Luton player Rocky Baptiste headed home, but Quakers equalised three minutes later when Ashley Nicholls headed in from close range after good work by Richard Hodgson.

Six minutes later Farnborough were back in front, teacher Dave Carroll notching with another header.

Darlington finished the half strongly and got back on terms eight minutes before the break when Ian Clark became the fourth player to use his head to find the back of the net.

Craig Liddle then twice hit the bar with headers and Richard Offiong fired against the post as Quakers launched a series of attacks before half-time, but it was Farnborough who found the target for the third time when Carroll grabbed his second of the match. This time there was no way back for Quakers.