Darlington hero Craig Liddle believes that Quakers are out of the starting blocks more impressively than last term, writes RAY SIMPSON

Quakers won their first three games of last season, but Liddle feels they have played better this time round, even though they have four points fewer following the 2-0 win at Southend on Saturday.

"I think we've started quite well, even though we haven't had the breaks," he said. "We've had a couple of deflected goals against us, and a dubious penalty.

"The gaffer had a word at half time, and told us that we weren't passing the ball around as much as we should, and we managed to put that right in the second half. He's asked us to put in the effort, and I think everybody is responding.

"We were happy with our defending, and we were comfortable even though they pushed up three big lads late in the game when they were trying to get back into it

"We're looking good at the moment, and if we can keep our strongest 11 fit, then we're going to be there or thereabouts.

"Hopefully, the win on Saturday will give us a big crowd for the game against Plymouth.''

Manager Gary Bennett reported no injuries from Roots Hall, and so could name an unchanged line up for the Plymouth game.

The Worthington Cup first round second leg tie has been switched from next Tuesday to the following night because Forest are involved in a televised game on the previous Sunday.

The switch means that the reserves' home game in the Avon Insurance League against Shrewsbury has been moved to Wednesday, September 27