Consistency is the key according to Darlington boss Mick Tait ahead of tonight's Third Division clash with Rochdale at Feethams.

Quakers bounced back from last week's defeat at relegation candidates Swansea to earn a hard-earned point against second-placed Rushden at the weekend.

And Tait has called on his players to show the same kind of commitment for this evening's rearranged fixture against 'Dale, who lie just one place below Quakers in 17th position.

"We were all pretty disappointed after the Swansea game so it was good to see the lads respond in the way that they did," said Tait.

"All I can ask is that they show the same kind of passion and commitment week-in, week-out.

"We looked a lot livelier on Saturday and hopefully we can carry this into the game.''

Saturday's draw with Rushden was Quakers' 13th of the season and although the performance was pleasing, Tait believes it's points that matter most.

"The lads are feeling pretty confident so hopefully we can go out and pick up some more points which is the most important thing," he said.

"It's all well and good outplaying a team for 90 minutes, but if you don't pick up the points what is the point? Everything else is irrelevant if you don't put points on the board." Not for the first time this season Quakers dominated for large periods against Rushden only to come away with a point.

And Tait moaned: "We should really have picked up all three points on Saturday and yet again we've had to settle for a draw."

Defender Stuart Whitehead, who missed the Rushden game through suspension, is back in contention and could earn a recall at the expense of Gary Pearson.

Rochdale, who enjoyed a 2-1 win over Oxford at the weekend, are expected to include former Quakers midfielder Michael Oliver in their squad after scoring on Saturday.

Danny Mellanby and Neil Maddison both trained yesterday, although Tait feels tonight's game is a little too soon for the pair.

Striker Barry Conlon will miss the trip to Wrexham on February 23 after picking up his fifth booking of the season.

Read more about the Quakers here.