Darlington manager Tommy Taylor will be hoping for better finishing and better defending tomorrow as his side try to bounce back from last Saturday's disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Oxford United.

Quakers face a difficult assignment with a visit to Rochdale, who are again expected to be among the promotion contenders.

They have taken six points from their opening three games, two more than Darlington, who would surely settle for a point at Spotland.

Poor defending by Matt Clarke gifted Oxford their winner at Feethams and Taylor was also frustrated by his team's inability to turn possession into goals.

The manager decided to rest Adam Rundle, switching Ashley Nicholls to the left wing and handing Jon Cullen his debut in central midfield.

Cullen and Phil Hadland had been signed on short-term contracts the day before, the latter entering the fray as a substitute in the second half.

Steve Basham scored the goal which condemned Quakers to their first defeat of the season, hammering the ball home just before half-time as Clarke appealed in vain that a throw-in should have gone his way.

Quakers will need to be much more focused, both at the back and going forward, if they are to pick up points tomorrow and at home to Carlisle United on Tuesday night.