Darlington v Rotherham preview
Millers aim to dent Quakers' promotion push
Last Updated: January 27, 2009 3:16pm
Penney: Quakers are still in touch
Darlington will be looking to climb back into the play-off places when they face Rotherham on Tuesday.
Just two wins from nine games has seen the Quakers slip out of the top seven but, with the top of the division still so tight, they remain within touching distance of the promotion-chasers.
Rotherham appear to have secured their safety for this season, but will be keen to build on a recent run which has brought four wins in six games.
Darlington team news
Darlington will be without midfielder Richard Ravenhill for the League Two clash.
Ravenhill was sent off against Shrewsbury on Saturday after receiving two yellow cards and will now serve a suspension.
A number of players will be pushing to replace the midfielder with the possibility of Robert Purdie moving inside from his wide role.
Striker Liam Hatch, who has a hamstring problem, is rated 50-50 for the match by manager Dave Penney.
Hatch failed to make the game on Saturday following a late fitness test and he again faces a race against time to be included in the starting line-up.
Should he miss out, striker Danny Carlton should continue up front having made his debut on Saturday.
Pawel Abbott is fit to start in attack having made his comeback from injury in the same game.
Rotherham team news
Jamie Green is a major doubt for Rotherham's midweek trip to the Darlington Arena.
The Millers defender was kicked on his ankle during the weekend defeat at Grimsby and could miss out.
Either Mark Lynch or Marc Joseph could return to the squad and will be on stand-by.
Manager Mark Robins will be without Richie Barker again due to a knee problem.
The striker is to consult a specialist this week to determine the full extent of the damage.
Andy Warrington will continue in goal following his recent return to the starting line-up, with Steve Cann among the substitutes.
Robins may be tempted to make changes up front following Saturday's disappointment.
Reuben Reid and Mark Burchill will be hoping to play a bigger part after starting on the bench at Blundell Park.
Matches
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npower League 2
Table
npower League 2
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gillingham | 46 | 83 |
| 2 | Rotherham United | 46 | 79 |
| 3 | Port Vale | 46 | 78 |
| 4 | Burton Albion | 46 | 76 |
| 5 | Cheltenham Town | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Northampton Town | 46 | 73 |
| 7 | Bradford City | 46 | 69 |
| 8 | Chesterfield | 46 | 67 |
| 9 | Oxford United | 46 | 65 |
| 10 | Exeter City | 46 | 64 |
| 11 | Southend United | 46 | 61 |
| 12 | Rochdale | 46 | 61 |
| 13 | Fleetwood Town | 46 | 60 |
| 14 | Bristol Rovers | 46 | 60 |
| 15 | Wycombe Wanderers | 46 | 60 |
| 16 | Morecambe | 46 | 58 |
| 17 | York City | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Accrington Stanley | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Torquay United | 46 | 53 |
| 20 | AFC Wimbledon | 46 | 53 |
| 21 | Plymouth Argyle | 46 | 52 |
| 22 | Dagenham & Redbridge | 46 | 51 |
| 23 | Barnet | 46 | 51 |
| 24 | Aldershot Town | 46 | 48 |
