Dagenham v Darlington preview

New Darlington boss Steve Staunton faces a difficult task in his first game against high-flying Dagenham.

Quakers out to impress new manager

New Darlington boss Steve Staunton faces a difficult task in his first game against high-flying Dagenham. The Quakers lie rock bottom in League Two with just two points from their opening 11 matches and Staunton has been quick to bring new faces into the club. Veteran striker Noel Whelan has been drafted in by the Irishman and Liverpool left-back Robbie Threlfall has signed on a one-month loan. Both go into the squad for the Daggers tie at Victoria Road on Saturday, although with so little time Staunton is unlikely to make any other major changes. The Darlo boss was in the crowd at Elland Road on Tuesday to see the Quakers beaten 2-1 by high-flying Leeds in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and he will be hoping for a reaction when they return to league football. On-loan Sunderland midfielder Jamie Chandler could return after completing a three-match ban, while Mark Bower is struggling with an ankle knock and Nick Liversidge is suspended. Although Dagenham are only four points off league leaders Bournemouth, they have not been firing on all cylinders in recent games and will have to be on their guard against a team trying to impress a new manager. John Still could hand a starting spot to Wes Thomas after he scored a vital equaliser against Hereford last weekend, although it is likely to be the only change for the home side. Danny Spiller returned from a groin injury against Hereford and should keep his place in the team. However, long-term absentee Mark Nwokeji is not expected to make a return from his cruciate knee injury until December.