David Duke believes Darlington are going through a rough spell because opposition teams are paying them too much respect.

The former Swindon full-back made his fourth start of the season in Tuesday's home draw with Boston United, a game which saw the visitors pack men behind the ball in a clear and successful attempt to earn a point.

Duke is in his first season at League Two level but his assessment of the division is that the standard is not great and he believes Darlington, without a win in five matches, could soon inflict a "landslide" scoreline on someone.

"It is very frustrating - it seems like every team playing against us is playing for a point, even in our away games, like Bristol Rovers on Saturday, teams are playing on the counter-attack," said Duke who can expect to keep is place for Saturday's trip to Northampton Town.

"Teams are giving us a lot of respect, too much, and making it hard for us.

"It all boils down to the fact that teams are intent on spoiling the game when they play us.

"Boston was two points lost but we went about the game in the right manner. Being negative doesn't get us anywhere and the positives are that we kept a clean sheet and we created chances to win, we just need a bit of luck for them to go in.

"Once they do then teams are going have to start to come and attack us and that's when we'll get the second and third goal. Honestly, there could be a landslide.

"The Northampton manager likes his team to play football and the game is at their place so I hope they play football and give us a challenge, otherwise it will be frustrating again.

"There's a long way to go and what's in our favour is that, and I don't want to be too disrespectful to other teams, there are not too many good teams and they can all beat each other.

"In a footballing sense I have not been impressed by any team. They've just been strong and determined, which we were on Tuesday.

"As long as you're in the top eight going into February that's what counts."

A section of supporters showed their impatience during Tuesday's game by booing at half-time and on some of the occasions Quakers passed back to their own goal to keep possession, but Duke has defended manager David Hodgson.

Unlike most in League Two, the manager has long been an advocate of passing football, and Duke said: "Full credit to David Hodgson for sticking to his guns over the years.

"The fans weren't happy but they maybe do not realise how lucky they are. If they watched some of the other teams in this division playing every week they'd be depressed.

"They're spoilt here because we do try to play football. It isn't always possible but we do try. Most other teams in this division just pump the ball forward and it would be depressing to watch that.''

Read more about the Quakers here.