DARLINGTON will today find out whether or not Barry Conlon will be able to play at Altrincham on Saturday - but Mark Ford is definitely out of the FA Cup tie.

The Quakers appealed against the red cards received by both players in the 7-1 defeat at Scunthorpe United two weeks ago, and having watched television replays, a three-man panel have upheld Ford's ban, meaning he'll miss three matches. Along with the FA Cup trip, he'll be out for the league fixtures at Plymouth Argyle and at home to Cheltenham Town.

Assistant manager Mick Tait and Conlon travel to Daventry, Northampton today for a hearing and if unsuccessful, Conlon will be missing for four matches instead of three after also seeing red at Shrewsbury.

However, as Ford was informed of his fate without a hearing, it could be assumed the striker has a chance of reversing the Scunthorpe red card.

The Quakers already know they will be without on-loan defender Gary Caldwell on Saturday as Newcastle United have refused him permission to play as they don't want him Cup-tied, although Cambridge United have allowed Dan Chillingworth to play.

Darlington's reserve game with Stoke City, scheduled last night, was postponed at 10.30am yesterday following a pitch inspection.

The pitch, which has been in excellent condition this season thanks to groundsman Andrew Thompson, was waterlogged so the game will be rescheduled.

As the reserves are away to Bury next week, they won't play at home until January 9 when Lincoln visit Feethams, unless the Stoke game is re-staged within the next four weeks.

Darlington boss Tommy Taylor and Tait were spectators at Moss Lane on Tuesday evening as Saturday's FA Cup opponents Altrincham overcame Accrington Stanley on a penalty shoot-out in the second round of the FA Trophy.

Read more about the Quakers here.