15-goal Boulding has been training all week after shaking off his hamstring strain from New Year's Day while Buxton has completed a one-game ban.

"It's a big boost to have those two back and John McAliskey is also fit again, though I think he needs more training," said Dearden.

"I am hoping to organise a friendly at Loughborough University next Monday or Tuesday for those who need a game.

"I know the FA Cup is a big game for us next week. But I have told the lads to forget it until after Saturday and I don't want it mentioning.

"Darlington is a very big game for us and we can't let Middlesbrough play on our minds."

Dearden watched Darlington win 3-0 at Morecambe on Tuesday and said: "It was never a 3-0 as the Darlington keeper pulled off some great saves at 1-0 and 2-0.

"But they are a very good side, full of experience and with a bit of pace. Two of their goals were from quick breaks.

"I am sure they will be in the top three or four at the end of the season.

"But the lads are in good spirits and looking forward to it. The away win at Chester last week was a massive, massive weight off their shoulders.

"It is mid-January and we hadn't won away from home which I have never heard of at any club I've been at.

"You could see what it meant to them when they went over to celebrate at the end with the fans who were magnificent again. Chester is not the shortest trip to make yet we had three or four hundred there again."

Mansfield's biggest threat this weekend may be the weather with the Field Mill surface already soaked and more rain predicted today and tomorrow and Darlington needing to know if they can travel down.

The club will be keen the match goes ahead as they are offering FA Cup priority vouchers to fans atending the game.