Darlington striker Tadgh Purcell hopes to shake off an ankle injury in time for the visit of play-off-chasing Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday.

Purcell, the club's leading goalscorer with nine goals despite only arriving in January, has missed the last two games due to the knock.

Young Michael Smith, who scored in his second start for the club last week, will partner Chris Moore if Purcell misses out.

Skipper Ian Miller is also hoping to be fit after playing through the pain barrier in recent weeks with a hernia problem.

The central defender, who made a goalscoring return in the 2-0 win at Macclesfield last week, could be replaced by Mark Bower if he fails to make it.

Relegated Darlington have won three of their last nine league games under manager Simon Davey.