Darlington skipper Neil Maddison is confident that results will change for the better - providing they continue to create opportunities in front of goal.

Quakers squandered a host of chances to score and they paid the ultimate price in Saturday's defeat to Macclesfield.

However, midfielder Maddison is refusing to be downbeat despite Quakers' 13th League defeat of the season which leaves them in the relegation zone.

"When you look at the first half we had enough chances and if we'd have put them away then it might have been a different story," said Maddison.

"The gaffer had no qualms about it because we did create chances to win the game. We just couldn't put them away.

"It would be worrying if we didn't create enough chances but we did and as long as we do that we will win games.

"On another day those chances go in and everybody goes home happy."

And after substitute Stephen Brackenbridge had broken the deadlock for the visitors, Quakers were left frustrated by a Macclesfield side which defended in numbers after the 62nd minute strike.

"As soon as they scored they put 11 men behind the ball so they were hard to break down," said Maddison.

"I can understand the fans' frustration but it's just as frustrating for us when we can't pass the ball forward how we'd like.

"But if you're looking at a brick wall you're not going to put the ball in are you?"

Quakers play host to Huddersfield on Boxing Day before travelling to bottom side Carlisle on Sunday, where suspended duo Barry Conlon and Ryan Valentine return after three-match bans.

And Maddison believes the absence of Conlon and Valentine has had a major effect on the team.

"The confidence is still there but it is obvious we miss big Baz and Ryan," said Maddison.

"There's still a long way to go but I'm sure we will be a lot stronger when Baz and Ryan are back.

"With them in the side lately we have looked comfortable. Hopefully when they come back we can pick up a few more wins and move away from the bottom."

Read more about the Quakers here.