Darlington yesterday sprang a surprise by allowing midfielder Stuart Elliott to join Third Division rivals Plymouth Argyle.

Elliott was signed in the summer after he was released by Newcastle United and has started 27 games for Quakers this season. His most telling contribution was a long-range winning goal at Nottingham Forest in the Worthington Cup in September.

But with the signing of Mark Ford and the prospect of Brian Atkinson and Martin Gray both returning to action soon, Quakers decided to allow Elliott to go on a free and he is expected to sign for the Pilgrims this morning.

Manager Gary Bennett said: "Plymouth have offered him a longer-term opportunity than we could. We have been getting players in recently and we have to start balancing the books.

"When Brian Atkinson and Martin Gray are both fit we will have a lot of competition for places in that area. We're well covered. Players like Glenn Naylor, Paul Campbell and Mark Kilty can all play in the centre of midfield."

Elliott, who played for Plymouth manager Paul Sturrock at Dundee United, is the second midfielder to leave Feethams in the last week following Steve Walklate's departure.

Campbell, meanwhile, could be fit for Saturday's derby against Hartlepool after recovering from a groin injury, but Gray and Atkinson are still considered doubtful.

"If I can get one of the injured players back in the squad it will be a bonus," said Bennett.

Darlington are waiting for confirmation that the postponed game at Torquay will be re-arranged for Tuesday, April 24.

Quakers were hoping the Gulls would agree to March 20 as they would travel to the south west after their visit to Kidderminster, but that date has been ruled out.