Darlington boss Dave Penney boosted by the return of Julian Joachim and Ryan Valentine for the play-off semi-final first leg against Rochdale.Joachim missed the last four games of the regular season with an ankle problem and Valentine has missed the last two with a knee injury, but the duo return to face Dale.

Penney will give goalkeeper David Stockdale (bruised foot) as long as possible to prove his fitness, with Przemyslaw Kazimierczak on hand to deputise if needed, while midfielder Ben Parker is available after returning from a one-match ban.

Striker Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu has overcome a groin strain but is lacking in match fitness, while defender Stephen Foster and Tommy Wright - who were both rested against Peterborough last weekend - will return.

Youngster Curtis Main could again be in the matchday squad, but it remains to be seen whether striker Pawel Abbott (knee) will feature again this season.

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