DARLINGTON FC are ‘quietly confident’ that the pitch at the Northern Echo Arena will be passed fit for their League Two match at home to Aldershot Town on Saturday.

Bottom-of-the-table Darlo have not played since being thrashed at Torquay on December 12. The Shots have played just once since then, on Boxing Day.

Reports early this week suggested there was little chance of the frozen, snowbound pitch being ready for Saturday but there was more encouraging news as the week went on.

“We are quietly confident about Saturday,” said a Darlington spokesperson on Tuesday. “The pitch is thawing and is covered for extra protection.” Fresh snow yesterday and the possibility of frost over the next two nights mean that the game is still under threat, however.

One man at home in the north-east, should the game go ahead, is Aldershot manager Kevin Dillon, who is from Sunderland. He expects the game to be played.

“From what I hear, the game should be on,” said Dillon. “I feel we are pretty ready for it. We have had some really good training sessions in Reading FC’s dome this week and will also train at Leeds United’s facilities on our way up, on Friday.

“The lads have trained really hard and have enjoyed themselves this week.”

Dillon’s side have 11, possibly 12, League Two fixtures lined up inside the next six weeks alone, including home matches against the top two — Rochdale and AFC Bournemouth — next week.

“It’s a massive week coming up,” said Dillon. “It’s brilliant. I am really looking forward to it. It could define our season. But first we must make a good start against Darlington. The bookies have us as clear favourites [Darlo have won just twice all season] but it’s a tricky game.

“Their manager, Steve Staunton, has been looking at many, many players. It’s hard to predict their team, so we are a little in the dark over the make-up of their side.”

Although Dillon has several players back in training, after injury, the likes of Kirk Hudson and John Halls are not match-fit and Dillon must decide whether or not to include them in Saturday's squad.

Dillon will hope that the reserves' match at Crystal Palace goes ahead next Wednesday, to provide an extra game for returning players.

Kris O'Leary, the former Swansea midfielder, is no longer training with the Shots but Dillon said he may re-address the situation, when a game goes ahead. "I want to see players in action," said Dillon. "There is no point Kris just training with us. Hoping we can get that reserves' match on next week."

Marvin Morgan is expected to be fit enough to make Aldershot’s bench on Saturday, however, after his recent injury.

Striker Morgan continues to be linked with higher league clubs by the national media but Dillon poured cold water on the rumours.

“We have had one insulting offer, faxed through from a League One side. They didn't even call," said Dillon. "It was for less money than we paid for him and pretty embarrassing all round, to be honest."

Besides, Dillon said that Morgan has plenty still to achieve with Aldershot. “Marvin has done really, really well but he still talks too often about how he has just come out of non-league football.

“He needs to get that out of his mind. He's well into his second season here and is a professional now, in the League. He needs to be better educated about how to look after himself and his body. Players can learn so much these days - I wish I could have done so when I was a player.

"His physique is unusual and he needs to understand what stretch and exercises he should be doing. To that end he is seeing the same biomechanics expert who helped improve the game of Dave Kitson, when he was at Reading. Marvin and Dave have similar, tall builds.”

Dillon is, however, prepared should the transfer window activity suddenly liven up.

“I am very happy with the squad I have. With the loanees it is a good size and I’m very happy with the balance,” he said. “I don’t intend to be proactive in this window. But I will be reactive, if the need arises. I have a couple of things in place already, if I need to address changes to the squad.”

In other words, Dillon is confident of keeping hold of all his key players — but not over-confident.

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