Gary Brown is winning his fight to be fit for Darlington’s trip to Clitheroe tomorrow, though manager Martin Gray would have no hesitation in giving Liam Hatch another run-out in defence if required.

Hatch came off the bench late in the first half of last Saturday’s win over Bamber Bridge and formed an effective partnership with Chris Hunter, winning a series of aerial duels at Heritage Park.

His performance, coupled with lingering doubts over Brown due to a groin issue, means Gray is contemplating selecting Hatch at centre-back alongside Hunter for what would be only his fourth league start of the season.

“Hatchy was outstanding, his performance was really strong and he did exactly what we wanted from him, but he’s got to do that again,” said the manager. “He’s done it once, he’s got to do it again.

“He kept his cool, his manner was very good in that he didn’t get involved in any afters.

“He wasn’t in my good books a few weeks ago, but it’s amazing how things can change in football. I always want 100 per cent from everybody and if they don’t give me that then it’s not going to work.”

After earning a red card against St Neots in November, Hatch was an outcast for a couple of months until returning to the reckoning due mainly to Amar Purewal’s long-term injury.

However, with Alan White out of favour and suspended after tomorrow for two games, it is in defence where Gray sees Hatch playing now.

He also gave him a run-out as a late replacement at Harrogate RA three weeks ago, when Hunter suffered a recurrence of a long-standing injury in the warm-up, and Hatch did not let anybody down.

On Brown, Gray added: “Gary tried to carry on last Saturday, you’d prefer them to be that way, but he had to come off. He’s got a chance for Saturday, he’s looking alright.”

Darlington were held to a 1-1 draw with Clitheroe in November, the visitors deservedly equalising in the final minute. The result brought an end to Quakers’ winning run, which had stretched to nine league games.

After tomorrow’s match Darlington have three consecutive fixtures at Heritage Park. They face Lancaster City on Wednesday, March 11, third-placed Northwich Victoria on Saturday, March 14 and then lowly Prescot Cables on Saturday, March 21.