ANOTHER disastrous week saw Darlington slide closer to the dreaded drop and lose a key player through injury.

Two derby games saw Quakers scrape a lucky point at home to Hartlepool United then lose 2-0 at York City. They are now in 21st position in the Nationwide Third Division, just three points above bottom club Halifax Town.

Goalkeeper Andy Collett, whose brilliant display earned the point against Pool, is out for several weeks with a broken thumb.

After the match at Bootham Crescent on Tuesday night, manager Gary Bennett blasted some of his side's

By Andy Brown

lack of commitment, but many fans are wondering how the hapless former Sunderland player has kept his job.

While there is some sympathy because of the financial constraints he has had to work under, he has chopped and changed the team all season, signed a succession of very ordinary players and seems unable to get the best out of his side. His team selection is also poor.

Yet he still seems to enjoy the confidence of Quakers' millionaire owner George Reynolds.

Bennett blooded two more players at York: goalkeeper Peter Keen, ex-Newcastle and Carlisle, and left-back Olivier Bernard, a Frenchman on loan from St James's Park.

The Minstermen's first goal came when Richardson shot home and the home side wrapped it up in the 84th minute when former Feethams striker Lee Nogan set up Alcide.

On Saturday, Quakers shocked their high-flying visitors by taking the lead after 37 minutes through Glenn Naylor, but it was only thanks to several breathtaking saves by Collett that they hung on until the 74th minute, when Darren Knowles equalised.

Tomorrow, Darlington are away to Kidderminster Harriers