With six games remaining after playing their final game in hand against Chorley in midweek, Quakers are in 11th place in the National League North table, seven points adrift of the play-off positions.
Finishing the season with six wins from six games is a tough ask for Steve Watson’s side, but while there is still a chance of making the play-offs, the Darlington boss will not be giving up hope.
“We’re trying to build something here,” said Watson. “Whatever happens this season, we have to try and build going into next season. It’s really important that Terry (Mitchell) and I learn lessons from everything.
“It’s important for players who are at the club, who want to be part of the journey going forward, to show what they’re made of.
“And it’s important for the players who are here on loan, who don’t know what next season holds for them.”
Quakers head into today’s game on the back of a 1-1 home draw against Chorley, who are in the play-off places and pushing for promotion.
“I thought on Tuesday, we were much more like us against Chorley,” added Watson. “They’re a very good side, and we matched everything that they did.
“We took the game to them, and I thought it was one of those games that you want to see. We dropped below that level against Rushall the previous Saturday.”
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More players have been added to Darlington’s ever-expanding injury list since Tuesday.
Ben Andreucci, who is on loan from League One side Bolton Wanderers, damaged his collar bone and is definitely out, while Ben Hetherington came off at half-time with an ankle injury on Tuesday evening. Striker Jack Maskell is doubtful, as is Sunderland loan midfielder Caden Kelly, who scored Quakers’ midweek goal with an excellent free-kick.
Kallum Griffiths, Elliot Forbes, Will Flint and Cameron Salkeld are already out, while Tom Platt could be on the bench today. New signing Blair Adams is unavailable.
“We’ve had two really big spells of injuries,” said Watson. “One terrible spell early in the season, when Cedric Main, Elliot Forbes and Tom Platt were out, but we seem to be going through a worse phase now.
“A lot of clubs get injuries, but they’ve taken their toll on us. They’re not excuses – they’re facts.
“I feel really sorry for Ben Andreucci, who has been involved in every game. Something off the ball, that wasn’t really football-related, has put him out for the rest of the season.
“He’s a young lad making his way in the game, and you don’t know how that will affect him.”
Warrington drew 2-2 at Blackwell Meadows earlier in the season, but since then they have slipped into the relegation zone.
They are currently second from bottom in the table , 13 points from safety with seven games remaining.
