QUAKERS' manager Gary Bennett's plans for tomorrow's league encounter with Leyton Orient were thrown off course by the decision of star midfielder Thomas Butler to return to Sunderland after two months on loan.

The little Irishman had become a fans' favourite during his time at Darlington, and Bennett must be hoping his fellow loan signing, striker Kevin Kyle, does not follow Butler back to the Stadium of Light.

Orient are fourth in the Nationwide Third Division and will pose a stiff test. Stuart Elliott, back after suspension, seems set to take Butler's place.

On Saturday, Bennett watched his side draw 0-0 with Luton Town at Feethams in the second round of the FA Cup.

Quakers posed plenty of problems for the Second Division outfit in the first half with Richard Hodgson and Glenn Naylor going close, before Kyle clipped the bar with a shot.

The second half saw the closest to a home goal, when Gary Himsworth's 35-yard piledriver was brilliantly saved by visiting keeper Nathan Abbey.

As Quakers lost their shape in the last quarter, the Hatters took control and missed two good chances near the end to settle the tie.

The replay is at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday. If Quakers are victorious they are at home to Queens Park Rangers, the First Division side managed by former England captain Gerry Francis.

l Darlington's LDV Vans Trophy first round tie at York City was postponed again on Wednesday night because of a waterlogged pitch.

A new date has yet to be arranged, but it won't be until the new year because both clubs are involved in FA Cup replays next week.