Darlington take time out from league duties at the weekend when they travel to Wrexham in the FA Cup first round and skipper Craig Liddle hopes a good result can help kickstart Quakers' season.

The mood at Feethams remains upbeat despite Saturday's defeat at Rushden - Mick Tait's first loss in his four games in charge.

"Everyone seems to think it was all doom and gloom after we lost, but that's not the case," said Liddle. "Everybody is looking forward to the next game.

"We've got to carry our form into the next game, but we really need to start picking up results."

Liddle, who played a bit-part in the Middlesbrough side which reached the FA Cup final in 1997, believes a win on Saturday could do their league prospects the world of good.

"If we can win it will give us confidence going into our next league game against Shrewsbury," said Liddle. "The league is our main priority."

Try telling that to the supporters who will be making the trip to Wales on Saturday.

"Obviously the Cup is very good for the fans," said Liddle. "If we can do well in that then there's a good chance we'll come up against a big club later on.

"It is a big game as far as the fans are concerned and it would be nice to try to put a little run together."

Defender Gary Pearson made his long-awaited comeback in a behind-closed-doors game at Blackburn yesterday.

The 25-year-old came through the practice match without any problems after spending eight months on the sidelines with a neck injury.

"It was a good run out for the lads and it was good to see Gary get 90 minutes under his belt," said Tait.

On-loan striker Graham Fenton and Paul Campbell played a half each as both continue to make steady progress from groin injuries.

Tait had hoped to give Danny Mellanby a game, but the striker is still feeling the effects of a back injury which has so far restricted him to just one start this season.

"We would like to have had Danny involved but he keeps on getting a twitch," said Tait.

"We've also given Stuart (Whitehead) another day off because he's still feeling a bit sore."

* Hartlepool United are refusing to comment on yesterday's exclusive report in The Northern Echo that Colin West is to be installed as their new manager.

West has been in temporary charge at Pools since Chris Turner left for Sheffield Wednesday last week, and led his side to a battling 2-1 win at Exeter City on Saturday. West, who was 40 yesterday, is expected to bring in former Exeter City boss John Cornforth as his No 2.

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