Darlington were spared a crisis in the forward ranks yesterday when Cambridge allowed Dan Chillingworth to sign on loan for a second month.

Quakers will be without the suspended Barry Conlon for a further three matches, Kirk Jackson and Clint Marcelle are both out of favour while Adam Marsh is on loan to Whitby Town.

Chillingworth's first month on loan expires after Saturday's trip to Plymouth, and Cambridge boss John Taylor was keen on taking Chillingworth back to the Abbey Stadium. But the 20-year-old has enjoyed his stay at Feethams and was keen to sign for a further month.

The future of Darlington's other loan transfer remains doubtful as Gary Caldwell may decide to return to Newcastle when his month expires after Saturday.

Manager Tommy Taylor hopes the 19-year-old centre-back will reach a decision today.

"I'm going to speak to Gordon Milne (Newcastle's chief scout) tomorrow and try to find out if he's in their plans or not," Taylor said last night.

"They've loaned out quite a few centre-halfs and if he thinks he might have a chance of getting a look-in up there you can't blame the lad.

"He's been excellent for us, absolutely first class, and he's a credit to Newcastle."

Blackpool's move for Darlington transfer target Luke Beckett has stalled because of a disagreement over personal terms.

The Seasiders have money to burn, having banked £1.7m from the sale of Brett Ormerod to Southampton last week, and had agreed a fee with Chesterfield.

Darlington's reserve side had their match postponed for the second week running when Bury's pitch was deemed unplayable yesterday.

Reserve keeper Frank van der Geest was set to play having returned from a spell in his native Holland, where he spent time training with potential new clubs, with several interested in taking him on for next season.

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