AN opportunity missed was how Darlington defender Ryan Valentine summed up Saturday's defeat at the hands of Shrewsbury Town.

Valentine felt, after losing at Peterborough four days earlier, the visit of mid-table Town would provide a good chance for Quakers to force their way back into the play-off reckoning.

But, after Quakers slipped to tenth in League Two after suffering their first home defeat since September 17, Valentine could not hide his frustration.

"Shrewsbury Town at home - this was a chance for us to put things right after losing at Peterborough," said the Wrexham-born defender.

"We needed the three points today and all the lads are really disappointed.

"Shrewsbury worked hard and frustrated us, but even with that, there is enough quality in our squad to beat teams like them."

It wasn't until the 55th minute that Quakers fell behind to Colin McMenamin's strike.

But Valentine admitted the outcome of the game had already been shaped by a hesitant start from the home side.

He said: "The first 20 minutes in any game is always important because that sets the tone.

"I don't think we started well and I think that carried on through the game. It was only in the last 15 minutes that we started throwing men forward."

Saturday's defeat leaves Quakers four points outside the play-off zone ahead of the trip to fifth-placed Leyton Orient this weekend.

After back-to-back losses, Quakers have a different incentive to record their first win at Brisbane Road since 1966.

"Before the trip to Peterborough we'd lost one in 12 and the lads were on a high," said Valentine.

"We were all looking forward to the game at Leyton Orient, but now that we have lost twice in a week, it's a game we must win just to stay in touch."

And, while the former Everton trainee is under no illusions as to the task that lies ahead in east London, victory would provide Quakers with the perfect kick-start following their recent blip.

"Orient won today and looking at the league table, on paper, it is going to be a hard game," admitted the 23-year-old.

"Hopefully, we can get a good result down there and start another run between now and the end of the season."

Read more about the Quakers here.