COMPETITION for places is intensifying at Feethams.
Darlington's players head for Torquay this morning, knowing that any slip in standards could cost a first-team place.
A strong Quakers second-string, coached by the recently-retired Martin Gray, deservedly beat York 2-1 at Feethams on Wednesday.
The reserve side featured ten players with first-team experience, including Neil Maddison who played for an hour to build up his fitness while Brian Atkinson got 30 minutes under his belt as he recovers from an ankle knock.
Also in the team, which won thanks to goals from Clint Marcelle and Paul Heckingbottom, were Gary Pearson, who impressed in the heart of midfield, and Frenchman Alex Jeannin, who staked a strong claim for a recall to the first team.
Heckingbottom has been troubled by injury for the past 18 months and broke down with a groin strain on the club's pre-season tour of Ireland. But after two fleeting substitute appearances and 90 minutes on Wednesday, the left-sided defender looks ready for action.
Assistant boss Mick Tait admits Heckingbottom's return is a boost.
"He's only a week or so away from being fit enough to start a first-team game," he said. "Paul pulled up in Ireland but it wasn't as bad as we thought. He pulled up straightaway, he was sensible about it so that there wasn't anymore damage.
"He's handy to have in the squad."
Heckingbottom's replacement Simon Betts arrived in the summer from Yeovil Town and has been solid in the left-back role, despite being predominantly right-footed.
"He went into the Conference for a couple of years so that's why people might not have heard of him but we certainly knew about him," explained Tait of the 28-year-old Middlesbrough-born full-back.
"He went to Yeovil, who paid about £12,000 for him, and they were trying to get in the Football League so they knew he was good enough. Simon's been excellent so far. He's been a positive.
"He's basically right-footed, but if you watch him play you'll see he can pass the ball with his left better than some left-footed players can.
Darlington fans with access to the internet should note the club's web site address has changed slightly. The new address is www.darlington-fc.net
Read more about the Quakers here.
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