The Final Countdown

Michael Branch - has played his last game in City colours

Damien Delaney and Michael Branch - who both played in City's previous match, at Wrexham a fortnight ago - are ruled out of the fixture against Darlington. Delaney serves a one-match ban, while Branch has returned to Wolves after completing his loan deal.

Marc Joseph could make his full debut at left-back, while Shaun Smith, Andy Holt and Steve Burton are also available to fill Delaney's boots.

In attack, Lawrie Dudfield is fit again, and could reform his partnership with Gary Alexander for the first time at Boothferry Park since last season. New signing Daniel Webb, Stuart Elliott, Phil Jevons and Gary Bradshaw are also in contention.

Ryan Williams is expected to miss out again with a knee injury, while defender Mike Edwards has received good news. It was thought that sugery on knee ligament damage would sideline him for the rest of the season. However, it is not as bad as first thought and so he could be playing in roughly 6-8 weeks.

Expected line-up (4-4-2): Musselwhite; Regan, Whittle, Anderson, Joseph; Green, Ashbee, Melton, Keates; Alexander, Dudfield.
Subs: Deeney, Smith, Peat, Elliott, Jevons.