DARLINGTON'S shell-shocked players were left to quietly reflect on their performances after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at home to Lincoln City.

Skipper Craig Liddle revealed there was little manager David Hodgson could say in the dressing room after Quakers' worst performance of the season.

"The gaffer was pretty calm considering and obviously there's not a lot you can say after a performance like that," said Liddle.

"It's probably not the best thing to go screaming and shouting. He's just told us to have a look at our own performances and take it from there.

"Up until they scored I thought we were comfortable.

"After they scored I just think we all went to pot. We lost our shape and discipline and there's not really anything positive to come out of the game."

Quakers were booed off at full-time and Liddle said: "The supporters pay their money and they are entitled to their criticism. We can't have any qualms with that because their opinion was fully justified."

However, Liddle felt they were unfortunate to find themselves two goals down at half-time.

Former Hartlepool United striker Marcus Richardson appeared to be in an offside position when he scored Lincoln's second.

"I would be pretty surprised if that wasn't offside but we've had decisions that have went for us in the past," said Liddle.

Saturday's three-goal reverse was the first time Quakers have been beat by two or more goals since a 3-1 defeat at Oxford 12 month's ago.

And while Quakers had boasted the second best defensive record in League Two before Saturday, Liddle admitted: "If we're being honest with ourselves that result has been coming for a while. I don't think we've played particularly well over the last six to eight weeks and that may be the wake-up call we needed."

In the last three games Liddle has played since returning from injury Quakers have conceded eight goals. But Liddle believes victory at Yeovil in the FA Cup tomorrow night would give them a good chance of advancing to the third round as non-league Histon await the winners.

"There's an opportunity to get into the third round if we get past Yeovil but we know it will be difficult," said Liddle.

Read more about the Quakers here.