Darlington boss Gary Bennett is hoping for a change of fortune as his side bid to get back to winning ways against Barnet today.

The Quakers have lost their last two games against Shrewsbury and Cheltenham 1-0 after an unbeaten start to the season.

But Bennett believes his side have been unlucky, with missed chances proving costly.

"I can't fault the lads for their effort and the way they have played," said the Darlington chief.

"We have been putting in good performances but just not getting the rub of the green in front of goal.

"We have missed chances which has cost us. We missed a penalty at Cheltenham and their keeper made two great saves and they ended up getting the winner.

"It was disappointing, but we have to get on with the Barnet game now.

"It is going to be another tough game but we are looking forward to it."

Darlington enjoyed a comprehensive 4-0 win over the Londoners last season when both sides were going for promotion, but Bennett said that would not give the Quakers any psychological advantage.

"That is now over and done with," he said. "No two games are the same and the teams and players are different from that game.

Bennett will wait until the last minute before naming his side, but is boosted by the return of Gary Himsworth and Stuart Elliott.

Himsworth, who has missed the last two games with a groin injury, is likely to replace Richard Hodgson, while Paul Campbell could make way for midfielder Elliott, who was suspended for the Cheltenham clash.

Dutch keeper Frank van der Geest is a doubt with a knee injury and Andy Collett stands by to replace him.

"Frank has done very well for us," admitted Bennett.

"If he isn't fit though, we have got Andy Collett, who is another good keeper, and it shows we have got good competition for places now."

Barnet boss John Still is expecting a tough time at Feethams as he believes Darlington will figure in the promotion race.

"They are a strong side and they will be in the shake up at the end," he said. "In Lee Nogan and Craig Liddle they have two good players, but you have to look at the whole squad."

Barnet are expected to be unchanged from the side which drew 1-1 against Exeter in midweek.

Striker Ken Charlery, who scored the goal, has been the subject of interest from Conference outfit Boston United, but is expected to spearhead the attack today.

l Tuesday's Worthington Cup second round first leg game with Bradford City is not now all-ticket because of the fuel crisis.

However, the club is recommending that supporters buy their tickets in advance, up to noon today and after today's match, as well as tomorrrow, Monday and Tuesday