A SEARCHING examination of Darlington's promotion credentials is sure to be provided by tonight's trip to Luton Town.

The Hatters, currently lying third in Nationwide League division three and unbeaten at home, are one of the favourites to make a quick return to division two after last season's relegation.

But Quakers are only two points behind them in sixth place and will be keen to make amends for last Saturday's disappointing 0-0 draw with Rushden and Diamonds at Feethams.

As manager Gary Bennett pointed out afterwards, the visitors set their stall out to frustrate Darlington and succeeded.

With strikers Barry Conlon and Danny Mellanby well shackled by uncompromising defenders, Quakers struggled to create chances. In fact, but for some abysmal finishing, Rushden could have taken all three points.

Mellanby looked the most likely to breach the visitors' rearguard, hitting the bar with one effort late on.

At least Darlington's hopes of staying with the leading pack have been boosted by the easing of the injury situation at Feethams.

Neil Wainwright, although looking less than match fit when coming on as a second-half substitute on Saturday, is challenging for a starting place at Kenilworth Road.

Neil Maddison, David Brightwell and Adam Reed are also close to a return to action, increasing competition for places.

Saturday's setback highlighted the need for strength in depth if Quakers are to maintain their promising start.

It also suggested that they need to find a bit more subtlety and develop more attacking options when teams set out to defend in numbers against them.