AFTER two derby defeats in the past eight days, Darlington boss Tommy Taylor is hoping a return to 'normality' can help kick-start his side's faltering league campaign.

Darlington play host to Bournemouth today after Taylor endured what was arguably his worst week in the Feethams hot-seat.

A 4-1 trouncing at Hartlepool's Victoria Park last Saturday was followed by a 1-0 reversal at York which saw Quakers plummet to fifth bottom of Division Three.

But a defiant Taylor still believes, on their day, his side are a match for anyone in the third division.

"We need to bounce back after two defeats on the spin," he said.

"Last Saturday was one to forget - we all know how badly we played, and it's history now.

"But I was impressed with the way we fought back on Tuesday night at York.

"We battered them but we just couldn't score. We had four one on ones and we just couldn't put it in the net.

"We deserved to beat them - they played a long ball forward and then it was flicked on. They created one real chance and stuck it away."

But as Taylor put it there are 'no easy games' in Division Three and the visit of Bournemouth will be another tough encounter for Quakers.

Sean O'Driscoll's side were relegated from Division Two last season and after a sticky start have begun to find their form.

A midweek 3-1 victory over high-flying Rushden & Diamonds confirmed the Cherries are a force to be reckoned with, but Taylor has no fears about the south coast outfit.

"They are a footballing side and like to get the ball down on the ground," said Taylor.

"They can pass the ball and play a bit but if we can perform well we are more than capable of beating them.

"The only thing that was lacking at York was our finishing - if we play like we can then I fancy our chances against anyone in this league."

Taylor will be forced to shuffle his pack with skipper Craig Liddle a definite non-starter.

Liddle was stretchered off against York with a badly gashed thigh, but early thoughts that muscle damage could keep the fans' favourite out for months have receded.

The manager is hoping to have skipper Liddle back next Saturday for the trip to Orient, but believes a more realistic return will be for the home game against Bristol Rovers.

"He tried to come into training but the wound still looked bad. He'll be very lucky if he makes the Orient game," said Taylor.

A rearranged back four will see David McGurk and Matt Clarke in central defence with Simon Betts and Ryan Valentine the full-backs.

New loan-signing from Blackpool Graham Fenton is pushing for a place in the starting line-up, and could play alongside Barry Conlon if Taylor thinks he can last the pace.

The Wallsend-born former Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa striker hasn't started for Blackpool this term, and his fitness may force the Quakers' boss to keep him on the bench.

Taylor also revealed that he is hoping to add another striker to his playing staff next week, and could have two new faces in the squad for the trip to his former club.

He added: "I've been trying to get a forward in for this weekend but it just hasn't come off - I'm hopeful of having him in next week."

* Former Swansea player-boss Nick Cusack has decided to walk away from the club following the arrival of Brian Flynn as director of football.

Cusack, at £95,000 still Darlington's record buy after his move from Motherwell in 1992, took over the reigns at the Vetch Field in March but was effectively replaced at the helm on Thursday when former Wrexham boss Flynn was appointed.

He was offered a contract to continue in his playing role but has decided to turn it down.

* Ray Simpson and Andrew Wilkinson, authors of Farewell to Feethams, are in Ottakers in the town's Cornmill Centre from 11am-1pm today signing copies of their new book.

* The Farewell to Feethams exhibition of 40 photographs celebrating Darlington's 120 years at their home, is appearing at Greenfield Community and Arts College from Monday for a week.

The photographs, commissioned by Darlington Supporters' Trust, have been on display in Darlington Arts Centre during the summer and attracted over 6,000 visitors.

It is intended that all 40 photos will eventually have a home at the new stadium, providing a permanent record of the club's first home.

Greenfield opening times are 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Thursday with a 5pm closing on Friday.

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