UPBEAT Mark Proctor remains confident Darlington's recent lapse will be shortlived and that a renewed assault on League Two beckons.

Ahead of tonight's visit of Macclesfield Town, it's five weeks since the Darlington Football Stadium last played host to Friday night football when Notts County arrived for a top-of-the-table clash.

Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu's 80th minute strike appeared to be enough to take Quakers top for the first time since 1998, until Andy White equalised.

Since that 1-1 draw - six games ago - Quakers have failed to record a victory and have slipped from second to 14th in League Two.

However, that run has included four draws, which culminated in Saturday's goalless stalemate at Northampton, in which Quakers were unfortunate not to come away with maximum points.

"It was nice to be involved in those games earlier in the season," said Proctor. "We've came off the rails a bit since the Notts County game, but I don't think there's anything sinister to worry about.

"On the back of the performance at Northampton on Saturday, we have every reason to go into the next couple of weeks with plenty of confidence."

After the success of Quakers' last Friday night experience, which attracted the biggest crowd of the season - 5,273 - Proctor hopes this evening's game will prove just as popular.

He said: "There was a good atmosphere here for the last Friday game and another big crowd would be great.

"There are no other games in the North-East at the weekend and hopefully we can pull in a few floating fans."

With winger Carlos Logan ruled out with an ankle injury, Proctor has hinted that operating Ryan Valentine as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 formation is an option.

"The Logan injury has forced us to change personnel and our shape," said Proctor. "We're not quite sure what we're going to do yet, but a 3-5-2 is a possibility."

Shelton Martis is fit after a groin problem and could start alongside skipper Matt Clarke and Joey Hutchinson if Quakers revert to three at the back.

Striker Akpo Sodje will miss his third game with a knee injury, as manager David Hodgson pairs Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu off with Simon Johnson in attack after the sacking of Clyde Wijnhard.

Proctor has also admitted tonight's game may have come too soon for Phil Stamp, who joined the club on a three-month contract on Tuesday.

"He's a bit behind the rest of the lads and we just have to be patient with him," said Proctor. "We'll have another look at him in training on Friday morning, but he is doubtful at the moment."

Brian Horton's Macclesfield, who lost to Lincoln City in the play-off semi-final last season, have made a disappointing start to the new campaign and lie 19th in League Two.

Striker Jon Parkin, who has yet to start this season, remains sidelined with a knee injury, suffered in pre-season.

Macclesfield were held to a goalless draw at home to Notts County at the weekend and Horton is well aware where his problems lie.

"We've defended much better in the last couple of games but it's at the other end where we're struggling," admitted Horton, whose side have not scored more than one in any of their last seven games.

* Darlington's reserve game at York City has been brought forward to Monday, October 10 (7pm).

Read more about the Quakers here.