Inconsistency is all Mark Proctor has known since leaving Middlesbrough to take up David Hodgson's invitation to assist him at Darlington.

By his own admission, Proctor is still learning the League Two ropes 16 months after making the short journey across the A66.

But what he has been able to ascertain in that time is Darlington's inconsistent tendencies.

In his first season with the club last year, Proctor helped Hodgson guide Quakers to the brink of a play-off place, when, but for their erratic form, a top seven place would have been assured.

After just 14 games this season, Proctor fears that worrying trend could again take a grip of Quakers' League Two aspirations.

Having occupied a top seven place for the first eight games of the season, Quakers slipped out of contention after a six-match winless streak.

A convincing 1-0 win over Macclesfield a fortnight ago restored some belief, but defeats to Bury and Kidderminster in the last seven days have once again raised question marks over their credentials.

This afternoon 12th placed Quakers entertain Cheltenham Town at the Darlington Football Club.

"It's a big win game, but we've been down this road before," said Proctor. In the short space of time I've been here we've been in this situation on numerous occasions.

"We let ourselves down last year when we didn't perform in games we needed to perform in.

"On the back of the Macclesfield game we were three games unbeaten and we thought we'd turned a corner.

"But, we went to Bury, where we were very poor and the same can be said at Kidderminster too. In those two games, for the first time this season, we haven't really created many chances.

"Hopefully we can put things right against Cheltenham and begin a good run again."

With just one goal in their last five games, Quakers' problems are not difficult to diagnose. Hodgson's men have not scored a goal in open play since losing to Oxford seven games ago.

A campaign, which started so well - bringing just one defeat from the first eight league games - has now raised fresh doubts.

The defeat at Bury last weekend, in which Hodgson was jeered by visiting fans, was followed by an early exit in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy at Kidderminster on Tuesday night.

"We watched a video of the Kidderminster game the next day and realised just how poor it was," said Proctor. "We all took responsibility for our actions. We were disappointing, but hopefully we will get a positive reaction tomorrow."

With an average age of 24, Quakers have one of the youngest squads in the Football League. Proctor accepts that having such a youthful squad does have its drawbacks, but also maintains it can only improve with every game.

"We do have a young squad, not just in terms of age, but in experience too," said Proctor. "We don't have many players who have been there and bought the T-shirt in the game.

"It's all part of the learning experience for young players and hopefully they will benefit from that."

One youngster, who has shone this season is Anthony Peacock - a player who arrived on the recommendation of Proctor during the summer.

The Darlington assistant manager knows all about Peacock's qualities, having coached the Teessider in Middlesbrough's highly-acclaimed Academy. Peacock was part of Proctor's FA Youth Cup-winning Middlesbrough side last year.

And, while Proctor has been impressed with the impact made by the 5ft 3ins midfielder this season, the Quakers No.2 feels there is still room for improvement.

"We've got to get him higher up the field if we can, running at people," said Proctor. "He's good at taking people on and he causes all sorts of problems in and around the box."

Peacock was rested at Bury seven days ago after a thigh injury, but returned to the side at Kidderminster on Tuesday night. It was following a foul on Peacock that Quakers took a 16th minute lead through Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu from the penalty spot.

"He'll be better for the rest and once again he caused problems at Kidderminster," said Proctor. "I thought his ball retention was poor down there, but he still showed some nice touches."

Peacock will keep his place in midfield today, although he is likely to be without midfield partner Matty Appleby. The 33-year-old twisted his ankle at Kidderminster and is a major doubt. Appleby's place could be taken by Jonjo Dickman, who is fit after a stomach injury. However, Stephen Thomas and Neil Maddison are also in contention to make rare starts.

Carlos Logan is out with an Achilles injury and there are fears the winger could be out for three weeks if loose bone is discovered. Brian Close and Clark Keltie both had lengthy spells out with similar problems in knee injuries. Phil Stamp remains sidelined after picking up a calf problem.

Former Quakers striker Steve Guinan is ruled out for Cheltenham with a back injury. The Robins are also without skipper John Finnigan (shoulder) and Michael Taylor (heel).

Read more about the Quakers here.