Tommy Taylor has defended his tactics after coming under-fire from small sections of the Darlington crowd during Saturday's defeat to Oxford United.

Some fans were frustrated by Saturday's performance as Darlington enjoyed most of the possession but just couldn't break down the U's well-marshalled defence.

But long passes, made from defence deep into enemy territory, were a constant feature of Darlington's play and this, coupled with failing to score from one of the numerous attempts at goal, angered supporters, some of whom offered their forthright opinions to Taylor at the dugout as they left the game early.

But Taylor firmly believes his team should knock the ball around only in the opposition's final third, and recollection of Matt Clarke' mistake on Saturday, which led to the only goal, remains a sore point.

He said: "My motto this year will be, do not give the ball away in your own half. On Saturday we gave the ball away in our own half by mis-controlling it, they scored and we lost the game.

"I don't want them losing the ball in our half of the field. If you hit the ball into the right areas you'll get possession.

"It's easy for players in central-defence because they've got the choice of playing the ball out to the wingers or up-front. It's easy for full-backs because they've always got three or four players to hit.

"How many times did their centre-halves head the ball and Clarky or Conlon pick it up?"

Most of the midfielders and forwards were guilty, at one time or another, of missing chances, and although Taylor admits he would like to beef up his strike-force he knows he must sell a forward before a move could be sanctioned.

He says his current crop is capable enough in front of goal and points out Saturday was Darlington's first blank of the season.

"I've got five strikers already, I can't bring anyone else in unless one leaves first," Taylor explained.

"The people at the club are good enough.

"They put the ball in the back of the net twice in the two games before Saturday and it's not as if we aren't creating chances."

Meanwhile, Ryan Valentine is training with the Welsh under-21 squad this week and will return to Darlington tomorrow.

* Fans have the chance to discuss the new season with Taylor and new signing Ashley Nicholls at a Supporters Trust meeting tonight at the Iron Horse, Newton Aycliffe (7.30pm).

Members and non-members are welcome to attend.

Read more about the Quakers here.