Darlington manager Gary Bennett believes his policy of player rotation and strong competition for places in bringing the best out of his squad.

Bennett is operating with a big squad this season - and with the recent introduction of Paul Beavers has now used 23 players in league and cup matches.

"I've got to rotate players when I can," he said.

"If Craig Liddle and Neil Aspin, for example, had played at Bradford City last week with their injuries, then it would have been unlikely they would have played against Carlisle.

"I was in a no-win situation. What would have been said if they were injured at Bradford, and missed the next couple of league games?

"Players like Steve Walklate, Mark Angel, Mark Kilty and Richard Hodgson have already had a chance, and will have another opportunity in the future.

"I want to give young players like them games in the first team when I can, because that will help not just them, but the rest of the team also."

And Bennett believes that competition for places is having a positive effect on the team.

"The players are working hard for each other and aren't all over the place. I believe that the players understand what they're doing, and know how to keep their shape defensively. We don't look like conceding many goals.

"We need to keep our shape, instead of chasing the game and leaving ourselves open at the back, because we can suddenly be a goal behind. If we keep plugging away, then the chances will come, just like they did on Saturday.

"I want to play flowing football in every game, but it can't be done. The best teams in the world can't do it every week, not just us. We are creating chances, but not getting on the end of them often enough. We have to be patient, just like we were on Saturday against Carlisle.

"The most positive thing from our performances so far this season is that we don't look like conceding. Teams are coming to Feethams and paying us respect.

"We have created competition in the squad. We have brought in Frank Van Der Geest as competition for Andy Collett and we have got a response from Andy. That's what I want to do, create competition all over the pitch, and if a players responds positively, then great."

Craig Liddle, Neil Aspin, Jesper Hjorth and Gary Himsworth are all responding to treatment for injuries picked up against Carlisle, and expect to be fit for the derby at Hartlepool on Saturday.