Darlington have missed out on Joe Leesley, who has chosen to join Kidderminster Harriers.
He enjoyed a seven-match spell with Quakers on loan from Boson United, his ability to play to in numerous positions and leadership made him a huge asset.
Supporters and manager Alun Armstrong hoped Leesley would made the move permanent, but Darlington cannot afford the 28-year-old, and instead Kidderminster have swooped for a player who was National League North player of the year during his time with Harrogate Town.
“Joe wanted to come back to us and we looked to extend the loan, but Boston told us that they wanted a permanent transfer and a fee, which was something we couldn’t do,” explained Armstrong.
“It’s gutting to lose Joe, because he loved it here and he wanted to get out of Boston.
“But he was offered a fantastic deal by another club, and at the end of the day he’s got to look after himself.
“We really wanted him because he was a massive player being able to play in multiple positions, and he brought professionalism to the team.”
Leesley scored when Darlington beat Alfreton 3-1 on November 8, and the teams meet again on Saturday in the FA Trophy at Blackwell Meadows Quakers are the thick of the promotion fight in fourth place, but Armstrong says he wants a run in the Trophy.
“This is a competition I want to do well in, I know how much it means to Darlington fans,” he said.
“It still bugs me that we lost to Hornchurch in the quarter-final two seasons ago. That was a great opportunity for us to reach Wembley that season, but we lost at Blackwell Meadows.
“We should have won that game with all the chances that we had. Hornchurch went on to win at Wembley when they beat Hereford from our division, why couldn’t it have been us?
“This competition offers a great chance for clubs from below the National League to do well. Brackley won it five years ago, Hornchurch and Hereford reached the final two years ago, Concord Rangers got there three seasons ago. The National League teams tend to think about play-offs or avoiding relegation.
“So as long as a Trophy run doesn’t interfere too much with the league later in the season, then we’re going for it.
“I’m trying to win every game. We’re only five games from Wembley, and reaching there is something you want to do as a player and a manager.”
Armstrong added: “Alfreton will be a really tough, physical battle.
“Billy Heath, their manager, will have his team fired up again and we must be ready to match that just as we did in the league game. There’s no reason why the lads can’t go into the game really confident.”
Kallum Griffiths and David Wheater continue to remain unavailable, while striker Junior Mondal is cup-tied having already played in this season’s Trophy for Marske.
Defender Dan Dodds was substituted at half-time last Saturday with a hamstring injury.
Today’s game will be decided on the day. If the scores are level after 90 minutes, then the teams will go straight to penalties.
The draw for the next round will be made on Tuesday.
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