DARLINGTON'S progress under caretaker boss Mick Tait can be measured by the team's two differing performances against Wrexham this season.

The Quakers were comfortably beaten by the Robins in the league, more so than the 1-0 scoreline at Feethams suggested, but Saturday's 2-0 FA Cup win at the Racecourse Ground shows just how far the team has came in recent weeks, according to skipper Craig Liddle.

"I watched the League game against Wrexham from the stand and they absolutely battered us that night and it could have been more," said Liddle.

"It just shows how far we've came since then because we were the better team on Saturday."

Tait has recorded two wins, two draws and a defeat at second-placed Rushden since succeeding Tommy Taylor last month.

It's a record which is hardly going to work against the former Hartlepool boss as he aims to convince chairman George Reynolds he is the man for the job.

It could have been a whole lot better for Tait but for his side's shyness in front of goal.

"We've been playing, but the goals haven't come other than in the Exeter game," said Liddle.

"I think we thoroughly deserved the win on Saturday. It was a very good performance.

"Not only did we get the goals we kept a clean sheet as well, which is important."

Now Liddle hopes the team can carry their cup form into the League.

"We've always said the League is our priority but obviously a win has given everyone a boost and has built the confidence, so hopefully we can take that into our next game and get three points at Shrewsbury."

* Wrexham goalkeeper Andy Dibble will be out of action for four to six weeks because he has to have an operation on his injured knee.

Dibble, who had been struggling with a knee injury already, did further damage in training last week and went to see a specialist.

It was discovered that he had torn meniscular cartilage and the 37-year-old must now undergo keyhole surgery.

* Blackpool boss Steve McMahon is believed to be close to signing experienced defender Colin Hendry on loan from Bolton.

McMahon refused to name the player he was chasing after the comfortable 4-1 win against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Saturday, but 36-year-old Hendry appears to be the target.

Bolton's official website claims the veteran Scottish defender will put pen to paper on a loan deal at Bloomfield Road this week.

Hendry has yet to feature in a senior squad for Bolton this season.

Read more about the Quakers here.