DARLINGTON manager Alun Armstrong admits that tomorrow’s home meeting with Curzon Ashton is a "massive game" in the context of Quakers' ongoing promotion push.

Armstrong's side have gone five games without a win, which means they have slipped down to sixth in the National League North table.

However, the key factor in their favour is the seven-point advantage they hold over eighth-placed Gloucester, who have played two games more than them, although Alfreton are perhaps more of a danger in the promotion battle as they have played a game fewer and are eight points back.

Armstrong, who signed a new deal with Darlington at the weekend that extends until June 2025, said: “This is a massive game for us. If we can keep ticking these games off and keep ourselves in the play-off positions, then anything can happen in the play-offs, as we saw last season

“It’s going to be a tough game again. We know what Curzon are like, and they’ve got some decent players.

"It’s going to be a difficult task because their striker, Jimmy Spencer, will do the same as Matt Rhead did to us on Saturday at Alfreton. The lads need to pick themselves up from the disappointment of not winning on Saturday.”

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Armstrong is trying very hard to strengthen his side - he missed out on long-time target Spencer last month when he left Farsley and turned down Quakers to join for Curzon.

Finding the right player and at the right price is proving a difficult.

“I know the fans are disappointed that we haven’t signed a striker yet," he said. "I’ve lost count of how many bids for players we’ve had turned down, or where we’ve had a bid accepted but the player doesn’t want to drop down a league or wants too much. It’s not for the want of trying.

“It’s not through holding money back, some of the stuff that I’ve read has been laughable.

“The club is trying to progress by doing it in the right way. I know we need a centre-forward to take the heat off the lads up front, but they’re a rare breed.

"It’s not for the want of trying. There are offers in for players at the moment, we’re just waiting for decisions.”

Spennymoor Town are also in action on Tuesday evening as they head to Lincolnshire to face Boston United.

Jason Ainsley's side are in 12th position, seven points adrift of the play-off positions, but have three games in hand on four of the five sides directly above them in the table.

As a result, they remain a major factor in the play-off race and will be hopeful of taking all three points against a Boston side who are only one point clear of the relegation zone.