MARK PROCTOR may have just started his League Two education, but the Darlington assistant manager insists he is not alone.

Despite guiding Middlesbrough's youth-team to glory in last season's FA Youth Cup, the 43-year-old admits he still has a lot to learn in a division which was alien to him up until he made the short trip across the A66 in the summer.

But having witnessed the events of the last seven days, Proctor may not be the only one going back to the drawing board.

After surrendering leads against Yeovil and Swansea, the Quakers' number two has every reason to express his growing concern ahead of this afternoon's League Two clash with Lincoln City at the Williamson Motors Stadium.

Yeovil twice fought from behind to earn an FA Cup first-round replay a week ago and Quakers' frailties were painfully exposed four days later, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at Swansea, after leading 1-0 until the 55th minute.

"I'm not so sure we know how to address the second period of a game when we're in front," said Proctor.

"We've been in that situation a few times and we haven't handled it very well.

"Hodgy and myself stressed the importance of the first 15 minutes of the second half on Wednesday night because we knew Swansea would throw everything but the kitchen sink at us.

"We just had a very bad 15-minute spell, where they hit us with two goals and the game was over as a contest.

"I don't know whether we're looking for consistency but something isn't right. We just have to get on with it and hopefully the points we make to the players will help."

Quakers second-half capitulation at the Vetch Field means David Hodgson's men have conceded five goals in their last two games.

However, Proctor insists League Two's second best defence - behind leaders Swansea - cannot take responsibility for their recent goals give-away.

He said: "I thought we looked well-organised defensively against Swansea, but in terms of passing the ball around and retaining possession I thought we were poor.

"For the first 45 minutes we defended superbly. We spoke before the game about defending from the front better.

"We wanted our strikers to press the ball higher up the pitch, to take pressure off the back lads and it worked in the first half.

"But as we've seen against Yeovil and Swansea, we cannot allow teams back into games like we have done."

Proctor will watch with interest as Quakers attempt to rectify the situation this afternoon. Lincoln return to the North-East seven days after they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Hartlepool United. And while the Imps may have left Victoria Park on the back of a 3-0 hiding last week, Proctor is taking nothing for granted.

Lincoln have won their last two League games and lie one place below Quakers in tenth, and Proctor said: "We had the game covered at Hartlepool and by all accounts they are a direct side. It's another difficult game, but one we feel we can win.

"Our home form of late has been reasonable, although the performances have not been ideal, but we'll settle for another scruffy display as long as we win it."

Skipper Craig Liddle suffered a recurrence of a stomach strain this week and faces a late fitness test. However, Proctor has hinted that the influential defender will start.

David McGurk is likely to keep his place in the side after impressing at Swansea. However, Hodgson may be tempted to draft Brian Close back into defensive duties after the Irishman played in midfield at Swansea.

Winger Neil Wainwright picked up a calf strain at the Vetch Field but will be fit to start, while Adolfo Gregorio (shin splints) and Curtis Fleming (knee) remain sidelined for a further week.

Former Quakers striker Martin Carruthers - now with his 11th club - is ruled out for the Imps with a back injury. Francis Green (knee) and Ciaran Toner (groin) are sidelined, but midfielder Peter Gain will return after recovering from a groin strain.

Read more about the Quakers here.