A combination of factors have contrived to decimate Darlington's squad ahead of today's game as they bid to continue their rejuvenation.

So lacking in numbers is caretaker manager Craig Liddle that he says some youth team players could feature for the under-18s against York City this morning as well as this afternoon's match with ninth-placed Forest Green Rovers.

Such a possibility speaks volumes for the problems Liddle faces as he plots to continue Quakers' recent good form at The Northern Echo Arena.

They have won four of their last five games on home soil, conceding only once during that time.

They may have lost 2-1 in midweek at Wrexham, but were able to take pride in their performance at the league leaders, which brought an end to a three-game winning run.

That run looked to be heading for a fourth successive victory, but two late goals by the Red Dragons - both hotly disputed due to poor refereeing decisions - scuppered Quakers' hopes and the evening proved costly.

The squad's only genuine striker, Ryan Bowman, is out for four to six with ankle ligament damage sustained in the second half, leaving the team lacking in options up front as Liam Hatch is suspended.

He serves the second of a two-match ban today, and Liddle, whose side are 14th, said: "We think Ryan's done his ankle ligaments so he's going to be out for a minimum of three weeks.

"Liam Hatch is suspended, so it might be a case where we shuffle the pack and probably play somebody out of position.

"We'll make do with what we've got.

"Driving back on the coach from Wrexham I was trying to juggle a side together, and asking who's played up front before.

"Graeme Lee has, Johnny Sanchez has, so the likelihood is that one of those two might be up front."

John McReady, substituted on Wednesday, is also doubtful due to a back problem, and Liddle added: "John is struggling. He's had it for a few days now, so he's a doubt and as well as Ryan and Liam, Aaron Brown's out too.

"We really are down to probably 15 fit professionals, and there'll be one or two young boys involved, possibly playing in the youth team in the morning and helping me out in the afternoon. But we'll get on with it."

The money-saving exercise that chairman Raj Singh has been conducting over the last month is the primary factor in depleting the squad.

Six players have left recently while The Northern Echo revealed this week that some players have not been paid.

The Professional Footballers' Association are in communication with Quakers, acting on behalf of the unpaid players, but Liddle did not want to be drawn on the situation.

He said: "It doesn't make it any easier. I try to steer clear of the financial situation, that's not my business.

"But it has been difficult and, again, credit to the boys. They went out against Wrexham and I don't think anybody looked any different. Everybody gave everything they had.

"It was just a case of poor decisions going against us. That and a little bit of luck and we probably could have won the game."

The financial problems have been an off-the-field distraction over the past month during which time Liddle turned down the opportunity to replace Mark Cooper as manager.

In light of Steve Bruce being sacked by Sunderland this week, he has reiterated that he prefers his role as head of youth.

"Looking at Steve Bruce, that's why I'm happy in my youth team role," said Liddle, who will be on the sidelines for the youth team's game at Houghall College, in Durham, today.

"It's a job where you know that one day you're going to get sacked.

"I've got to produce results at youth team level as well, in terms of bringing players through.

"But at the top end it is result-orientated and you can play absolutely fantastically and lose 1-0 and nobody's concerned about how well you're playing. It's about getting points on the board.

"I feel for Steve, but that's what pushes me towards staying in youth team football, and trying to develop the young lads."

That said, Liddle admits the dual demands of fulfilling two roles takes its toll, but he is not one to complain.

"I probably do thrive on it a little bit. It's tiring, I got back from Wrexham at 3am on Thursday and I was in at 9am with the youth team. I think I've got a duty to the boys to keep them on track.

"I'll do it until the chairman tells me otherwise. I haven't moaned yet and I won't moan.

"It would have been easier if we'd won at Wrexham, because when you're winning it's always easier.

"But I'm not asking for players, I'm just getting on with the job I do, and if we can get another two results on Saturday that'll make my weekend a little bit sweeter."

* Former Darlington striker Chris Senior has joined Blue Square Bet North side Guiseley on loan from Alfreton Town.