Darlington's hopes of making a winning start to 2003 were denied yesterday after their home clash with Rochdale was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch, writes Lee Hall.

While little rain fell on Tuesday night, the River Skerne remained higher than normal after Sunday's heavy downpour, meaning there was nowhere to drain the water from the Feethams pitch.

The news will have come as some relief for caretaker boss Mick Tait, whose side were due to play their third game in the space of six days.

Quakers now have time to recuperate after a hectic Christmas period before Saturday's FA Cup third round visit of Conference side Farnborough Town.

Striker Danny Mellenby could be handed his first start under Tait as Barry Conlon starts a three-match ban after his sending off against Macclesfield.

A new date has yet to be arranged after yesterday's washout.

Read more about the Quakers here.