STEVE Staunton has revealed a key factor in Darlington’s improved performance on Tuesday was the players being treated to a screening of last Saturday’s poor showing at Crewe.

Although Quakers lost 2-1 at home to Northampton on Tuesday, Darlington’s display merited more than a defeat, something even Cobblers boss Ian Sampson admitted.

Three days earlier Staunton’s side lost 3-0 at Crewe, and he said: “What pleased me most was the reaction after Saturday. Everything the players were told to do on Saturday they did the opposite, but on Tuesday the players took it all on board.

“On Monday we showed the players a video of Saturday’s game. It wasn’t a punishment, we wanted to show them their mistakes, show them what sort of positions we take up when we haven’t got the ball, and they listened. You saw the difference on Tuesday.”

Sampson conceded: “We were made to work very hard by Darlington, they pushed us all the way and on the balance of play they maybe deserved to get a draw.”

The future of veteran striker Noel Whelan is in serious doubt after he suffered his latest injury on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old has been with the club on a pay-as-youplay deal, but his return from a hamstring injury as a sub lasted only two minutes before he returned to the dugout.

“That’s typical of our luck at the moment,” said Staunton. “It’s bad for us but it’s even worse for Noel. He’s down in the dumps now.

“It’s never nice when that happens, but he knew straight away that he had to come off.”

Quakers’ attentions are now on Saturday’s trip to 22nd-placed Cheltenham Town, who have won only twice at Whaddon Road this season.

The trip holds no fears for Staunton, who believes he has overseen a marked improvement in his team.

“Tuesday was a bitter pill to swallow but we go again on Saturday for what is a cup final. Based on Tuesday’s performance we are capable of beating anyone in this division but consistency is an issue. I know we’re playing catch-up with fitness but at the same time the players have shown they are committed and they have to keep believing, and so have the fans.

“I think the fans have seen a big improvement – I know I have. We look a stronger side, we look more competitive and more composed than three or four months ago.”