Darlington boss Gary Bennett will this morning hold talks with Newcastle defender Olivier Bernard in a bid to hand the Frenchman his debut at York tonight.

Quakers have lined up a loan deal for Bernard, who joined the Magpies early this season on a free transfer from Lyon.

Luke Raine, Darlington's director of football, confirmed: "We are trying to sign him on loan because we need cover in the left-back position for Paul Heckingbottom."

Heckingbottom has been out of action for three weeks with a groin injury and although Steve Harper has been brought in from Hull to fill the void, the former Mansfield man prefers a more advanced role on the left side of midfield.

Assistant manager Mick Tait has demanded an improvement from Quakers in tonight's vital relegation clash.

They know they need at least a draw to maintain the five-point gap between themselves and bottom club Carlisle, who entertain promotion-chasing Leyton Orient.

Darlington would welcome a repeat of their 4-0 win at Bootham Crescent two months ago in the LDV Vans Trophy.

Tait said: "It's another very important game. We must make sure we don't lose and keep ourselves well away from the bottom.

"York are down there as well and there are a few other clubs who are in trouble. If we can catch Barnet, all the better, because they aren't playing well. In fact, they've only beaten us in their last nine games."

Quakers will be looking for an overall improvement on the display in the 1-1 draw with Pool.

"We've talked about Saturday's performance,'' added Tait. "The difference in the teams was shown by the table.

"Hartlepool were full of confidence and stroked the ball around, but when we got it we panicked a bit and became more and more nervous. It was a collective thing and not down to one department.

"We must be positive. We're unbeaten in four games and we must aim to keep that run going."

With no prospect of their six injuries easing, Quakers are set to be unchanged.

Darlington will be wary of lightning striking twice - in the shape of old boy Lee Nogan.

The striker, who left Feethams in November then popped up with one of the goals in Luton's 2-0 FA Cup replay win, signed for York after being released by the Hatters in January. Nogan scored on Saturday against Mansfield.

Darlington pair Glenn Naylor and John Williams both face their old club tonight.

York have improved dramatically in recent weeks since they were beaten 3-0 at home by Exeter.

Quakers' odds on avoiding the drop have shortened slightly, according to bookmakers William Hill.

The latest odds are: Carlisle 9-4, Halifax 5-2, Torquay 4-1, Exeter 6-1, York 9-1, Darlington 14-1, Barnet 16-1, Lincoln 20-1