Darlington will face Telford in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round on Saturday, October 11th, at 3 PM, hosted at Blackwell Meadows. This matchup marks an important moment for the Quakers as they aim to advance to the first round of the competition.
Recent Performance
Darlington comes into this match following a disappointing loss against Buxton. They fell 1-0 after conceding a first-half goal from Tai Sodje. Previously, however, they managed to secure a victory against AFC Fylde after a hard-fought 2-2 draw in the initial match. The Quakers won that replay 3-1, with contributions from Cedric Main, Tom Platt, and Will McGowan.
Telford, on the other hand, is looking to recover from a league defeat against AFC Fylde, losing 3-1 despite an early goal from Remi Walker. However, the Bucks showcased their striking ability in the last FA Cup round, defeating Evesham United 4-1 with goals from Jamie Meddows, Walker, and a brace from Matthew Stenson.
Previous Encounters
The teams have had competitive matches in the past. Their most recent clash on August 25th ended in a 2-2 draw, with Darlington initially taking the lead through an own goal and Josh Scott’s strike. Telford managed to equalize late thanks to Dylan Allen-Hadley.
Historically, these two teams met in the FA Cup in 1985. Darlington secured a thrilling win against Middlesbrough before facing Telford, where they lost 3-0 after drawing 1-1 in the initial match.
Current Squad Updates
- Alfie Myers-Smith has resumed training following a knee injury.
- Josh Scott is set to undergo a fitness test after recovering from an illness.
- Kallum Griffiths and Matty Cornish are back in contention but lack match fitness.
Player Highlights
For Telford, Remi Walker stands out as their top scorer. He previously netted against Darlington and has shown form with goals in recent games. Dylan Allen-Hadley, known for his crucial goal against Darlington last time, remains a key player for the Bucks.
League Standings
| Team | Position | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Goals For | Goals Against | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darlington | 19th | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 16 | 15 | 10 |
| Telford | 20th | 10 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 13 | 17 | 9 |
As both teams vie for a place in the next round, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can follow updates on El-Balad’s platforms and local radio coverage.
