Darlington number two confident

Posted on 5th December 2006

Darlington assistant manager Martin Gray has taken heart from the performance against Swansea City and firmly believes a showing in much the same vain will go a long way to capturing maximum points from the fixture at Wycombe tonight. Going forward Quakers had their chances to put Swansea to the sword but were found wanting for the first time under Penney at the back. Albrighton's impending arrival after a two game absence could well bring a return to the defensive tightness Darlington fans have become accustomed too since Penney took over at the helm.

"Even though it was a defeat on Saturday I felt it was a very good performance from the team. We've spoken very positively about the game after the match and training and the lads are really bright. If we take that type of performance into tomorrow night I think we've got a great chance of getting maximum points," said Gray yesterday before the team set off.

Wycombe are four points ahead of Quakers in League Two and are on the edge of the automatic promotion slots in the division. Having dispatched Lincoln City and MK Dons in recent weeks – two sides in the top seven – Gray is confident Darlington can get another result but is well aware the threat of the hosts pose.

"Wycombe will be tough. They are a good side but no different to MK Dons and other teams around the top that we've played of late," said Gray. "It is a tough test but we are going down there very confident but there is no lack of respect because Wycombe have got some good players. They've got Jermaine Easter who is banging them in for fun and Tommy Mooney has always been a threat throughout his career. They are always capable of scoring goals. We are aware of it all but hopefully we have enough in the bank to come away with three points."

Earlier Darlington news

Quakers release defender
Darlington defeated for first time under Penney
Penney stands in the way of Swansea
Darlington make it six in a row
Staggs boss looking for a reaction
Darlington set to make changes
Penney chalks up another win as Quakers boss
Darlington complete loan deals on three
Darlington set to swoop for loan signings
Darlington short on defenders
Darlington kids face tough test
A great result and great performance says Penney
Lincoln prepare to entertain Darlington
Darlington forward heads to Switzerland
Coming month will test Quakers