Darlington caretaker manager Gary Bennett told his players that they have set their standards after an amazing weekend in the Minster Carpets Cup at Scarborough.

Two huge wins - by 12-0 against Dutch Club Siol and 7-0 against Scarborough to lift the trophy - were beyond everybody's expectations after a traumatic week and Bennett feels that the players are on the right track, especially with the opening league game against Rochdale only five days away.

The Dutchmen and Conference outfit Scarborough were maybe not Fotball League standard, but it was the way in which Quakers disposed of them which impressed everybody.

Bennett said: "The players improved in confidence as the weekend went on. They were positive and full of energy.

"They played the way I want them to play. Their work rate was tremendous but if I expect them to do that in every game this season they'll be shattered. In which case I'll rest the players and replace them with others. But if players don't work hard then I'll pull them out.

"They have set their standards, and if they don't play to that standard then it will show."

There were only around 100 Darlington fans at the game, but their mood changed from one of depression on Saturday morning to one of relief and cautious optimism last night.

Bennett revealed at the weekend that he will not be pursuing an interest in former Port Vale keeper Paul Musselwhite, as well as utility player Phil Brumwell, who was released by Quakers two months ago.

l Scarborough fans successfully persuaded their club to reverse a controversial decision on Saturday night.

After beating Newcastle 2-0 in the second game of the competition the club announced that the Magpies could play Darlington in yesterday afternoon's final. But when Scarborough's fans discovered that move they complained bitterly to chairman John Russell, who reversed the decision.

Newcastle, who included midfielder Des Hamilton in their line-up, crushed Siol in the third place play-off 8-1.

Quakers have been invited to defend the trophy next year.