The Bulls travel to the Darlington Arena for the first time on the lookout for their first win in five games this season, and also their first win in five trips to Darlington.
It was the old Feethams ground the last time the Bulls visited Darlington, and that place was not a happy hunting ground for the travellers with just two wins in 17 trips. Many fans will remember the unsuccessful play-off campaign for both clubs in Graham Turner's first season, when Darlington won all four meetings between the two sides before losing the final. The following season saw the play-off curse strike both sides with the Bulls dipping out of the League, and Darlington finishing in a measly 18th place.
Darlington had big plans in pre-season and made several notable signings under previous boss David Hodgson. However those signings, plus six-figure capture Julian Joachim, failed to save Hodgson with Dave Penney coming in. Penney has made Darlo hard to beat, conceding no more than one goal in any of the last 12 league matches, but his side have found goals equally hard to come by after playing out a pair of 0-0 draws in recent games. Top scorers are Joachim and Barry Conlon, who has left for Mansfield, on six goals.
The Bulls are looking for something more substantial than the point earned between the two sides at Edgar Street in October. Two points from the last twelve have made this a real make or break game against one of the other sides vying for a play-off place. A defeat could see the Bulls 11 points short of the top 7 with just eight games left - a virtually impossible situation. The club will be bouyed by their recent trouncing of Lincoln and the strong performance at Hartlepool in recent away trips.
Darlington vs Hereford United, Darlington Arena, Saturday 17th March, 3.00pm.