The Terriers have a break from League action on Tuesday evening when they travel to League Two Darlington in the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, kick-off 7.45pm.

Stan Ternent's side have been turning in some improved performances in League One as of late, but will face a tricky test at the Balfour Webnet Darlington Arena against a Quakers side that possesses some dangerous players.

Managed by former Doncaster boss Dave Penney (pictured right), Darlington currently sit 10^th in League Two having collected 12 points from their opening nine games. They drew 1-1 at home to Shrewsbury at the weekend and like us, received a bye through to the second round of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Despite their decent recent form, Darlington have been disappointed with their home attendances so far this season; the Dalfour Webnet Darlington arena holds 27,000 fans, but thus far no gate has topped 4,000.

As Darlington play in a black and white kit, Town will be in their change strip of gold shirts, shorts and socks on Tuesday evening. Should the scores be level after 90 minutes, the fixture will go straight to a penalty shoot-out.

PAST MEETINGS

Despite both clubs turning professional as early as 1908, the first competitive match contested between the Terriers and the Quakers didn't occur until 1975 as tomorrow night's hosts played their football in the lower echelons of the Football League in their formative years.

All in all, Town have beaten Darlington 11 times, with the Quakers winning 5 games and 3 ending in stalemate. Games played in County Durham have also favoured us, with the Terriers recording 4 wins compared to Darlington's 3 and 2 draws.

There has only been one meeting of the two sides at Darlington's new Balfour Webnet Darlington Arena; Town were 1-0 winners in the 2003/04 promotion season due to a solitary Andy Booth strike.

INS & OUTS

We all know about the vast numbers of ins and outs at the Galpharm Stadium over the summer, but manager Penney almost matched that player movement with his transfer dealings at Darlington.

One major arrival to the Club during the closed season was midfielder Jason Kennedy; the former Middlesbrough trainee has been a key figure in the midfield engine room for the Quakers so far this season having moved to the Balfour Webnet Darlington Arena on a free.

Another arrival was little-known Liechtensteiner Franz Burgmeier on a free from Swiss side FC Basel. The left winger has featured regularly in the side so far this season and currently leads the Quakers assist charts with 3.

Other free transfer arrivals include defender Clayton Fortune from Leyton Orient, much-travelled striker Adam Proudlock following his release from Stockport County, ex-Manchester United winger David Poole, Port Vale midfielder Robin Hulbert and Stockport winger Adam Griffin.

Penney has also bolstered his options with loan signings, including first-team regulars Billy Clarke, target man Liam Hatch and goalkeeper Simon Brown.

The Quakers boss did lose some personnel over the summer; striker Tommy Wright joined Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen for £100,000, highly-rated goalkeeper David Stockdale signed for Fulham, winger Neil Wainwright joined Morecambe, Clark Keltie and Scott Wiseman joined Rochdale and midfielder Micky Cummins moved to Rotherham.

TEAM NEWS - TOWN

Andy Booth is still unavailable for Stan Ternent's side due to his persistent back problem and has been joined on the injury list by midfielder Ian Craney, who had to be withdrawn 35 minutes into Saturday's game against Leicester City with a hamstring problem.

Craney's absence could present a few of Town's squad members with an opportunity to shine; Danny Cadamarteri was his replacement at the weekend, with Gary Roberts shifting into Craney's advanced midfield position, but other players pushing for a place in the starting lineup will be Andy Holdsworth, Michael Collins and James Berrett.

TEAM NEWS - DARLINGTON

Darlington normally play in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation, with loanee goalkeeper Scott Brown a steady influence behind a strong and physical back four; centre-backs Steve Foster and Alan White being particularly dominant in the air.

Former Doncaster midfielder Ricky Ravenhill plays a key role as the holding central midfielder, allowing partner Jason Kennedy to get forward and support his front two. Wingers Burgmeier and Purdie will offer good width too, with the latter being particularly adept at set-piece situations.

The front two are a traditional 'little and large' partnership; big striker Liam Hatch complimenting the speedy and dangerous Billy Clarke.

Darlington are currently without two injury absentees - defender Ryan Valentine has a hamstring issue, whereas former Town striker Pawel Abbott misses out on facing the Terriers with a long term injury.

htafc.com's predicted XI:

GK Scott Brown

DL Tim Ryan

DC Stephen Foster

DC Alan White

DR Neil Austin

ML Franz Burgmeier

MC Jason Kennedy

MC Ricky Ravenhill

MR Rob Purdie

S Liam Hatch

S Billy Clarke

ONE TO WATCH - BILLY CLARKE

19-year old striker Clarke is on loan from Championship side Ipswich Town and has been an instant hit at Darlington, scoring seven goals in just 11 appearances for his new Club. The form of the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has prompted manager Penney to extend his initial one-month loan until January.

Cork-born Clarke started his career with the Tractor Boys and was part of their FA Youth Cup winning side of 2005, but has since had loan spells at Colchester United and Scottish side Falkirk before moving to the Balfour Webnet Darlington Arena

Left-footed Clarke has very good movement and likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender; he will have to be closely watched come Tuesday evening.

Get your ticket for Darlington by calling the Galpharm Ticket Office on 0870 44 44 552!