DARLINGTON boss Gary Bennett is backing his side to bounce back in tonight's tough test at Cheltenham.

The Quakers suffered their first defeat of the season at Shrewsbury on Saturday, but Bennett said: "I don't think there is any reason to worry or panic. We have just lost one game.

"People are asking me if I'm going to make changes, or if we are lacking belief, but I believe if we had a bit more luck on Saturday we would have got at least a point, if not three.

"We made a slow start and it cost us. We controlled the second half and what pleased me was that we were the away team yet we played as if we were the home team with all the possession we had.

"For 45 minutes in the second half they were holding on and that's why we have to stay positive. We beat Nottingham Forest in the Worthington Cup last week then lost on Saturday, but that's how things go.

"You are up one minute and down the next and just have to accept it and move on.

"We have had a good start to the season, but we had to lose some time. The players have the belief that they can do well and now we have to start on another run and bounce back from the Shrewsbury defeat.

"I believe the players can. We have talked about Saturday's performance and know where we slipped up and what we have to do to put it right."

Bennett admitted it was going to be a difficult test at high-flying Cheltenham, who again have showed they are going to challenge for promotion just two seasons after winning the Conference.

"They are a strong, well-organised side," he said. "They compete and we have to compete with them. I am not really surprised they have done so well.

"Over the last two or three years, we have seen the Conference teams come up and adapt well in the Third Division. There is not that much difference and with all the money about now, there is a chance for them to do well and Cheltenham have done that."

Bennett may be forced to make some changes with three players struggling with injuries.

Gary Himsworth is the most doubtful with a groin injury, but striker Lee Nogan (calf) and Craig Liddle (ankle) are expected to shake off their knocks. Defender Paul Heckingbottom is fit after a blister threatened to rule him out.

The Worthington Cup tie against Bradford City next Tuesday has been made all-ticket. Tickets go on sale to season ticket holders, one per person with voucher B, on Thursday and Friday between 9 am and 6pm, before going on general sale