WHOEVER Darlington appoint as their next manager, they will already have at their disposal a talented group of footballers with a determination and spirit that can take a team a long way.

It was made clear on Saturday what Quakers are capable of as they put in a good performance in a 1-1 draw with Stockport County.

They were unlucky not to win, the game ending with a cruel twist as Quakers conceded an injury-time equaliser, though County deserved something from the game.

The disappointment lasted only briefly, smiles soon returning on an invigorating and encouraging day, one that underlined Quakers’ qualities and provided a reminder that there is much still to play for – the season is far from dead.

At the end of a troubled week the game was precisely what was required to lift spirits.

Supporters were right behind the team, the game attracting the club’s second highest league gate of the season so far as they showed their backing in a time of adversity.

With Martin Gray gone and Brian Atkinson and Sean Gregan unable to remain in a job they were desperate to do, it was left to Phil Turnbull and Gary Brown to take responsibility and they relished the occasion.

“I had goosebumps when I walked out at the start of the game,” said Brown. “I hide my emotions a lot but I nearly let them go there! The hairs on the back of my neck stood up with the support we got.”

Brown and Turnbull, the two leaders, players well-respected in the changing room, were the natural fit to take the reins and were not let down by team-mates determined to make an impact.

As promised, a passing approach was employed, patiently waiting for opportunities which may not always have come, but the style was appreciated by those who had grown tired of the previous manager’s tactics.

Nathan Cartman certainly thought so.

Restored to the starting XI, the diminutive striker used Twitter on Saturday evening to say: “How refreshing to pass the ball around for 90 minutes (rather) than just being told to lump it forward! It’s the first Sunday in many months where I won’t wake up with a banging head and neck ache.”

A touch ungrateful perhaps, given what Gray achieved and the memories he helped create, but it’s an opinion that chimes with some supporters, while the players are clearly happy to play passing football.

Brown said: “We see each other on the training ground so we knew what the players could do when they’ve got the ball at their feet.

“We just told them to enjoy it, get on the ball and if you play ten passes and give seven away then don’t worry about it because we know you’re trying to do the right thing.

“As a player, it’s much easier if you’ve got options to pass to instead of everyone turning their back and running away.

“There’s unbelievable quality in the dressing room. When we have been criticised for going direct in the past, we might as well not have had the likes of Josh Gillies, Stephen Thompson, Phil Turnbull and others.”

Brown and Turnbull made four changes. Leon Scott replaced David Ferguson at left-back, while Harvey Saunders was given his first start ahead of the injured Mark Beck, whose move to York City has stalled, if not collapsed altogether, after he failed a medical. The knee injury he has coped with since pre-season will sideline him for a few weeks, but he was at Blackwell Meadows on Saturday, on the bench alongside the suspended Kevin Burgess.

Brown wanted them to have an input if required, a move embodying Darlington’s team spirit, which is a cornerstone of the Gray way.

Gray frequently bemoaned missed chances this season, and they would prove Darlington’s undoing on Saturday.

After pouncing on a mistake by Chris Smalley, Cartman had a one-on-one in the second minute of a largely even first half, the finish not clinical enough to beat Ben Hinchliffe.

Darlington did take the lead in the second minute of the second half, however, Terry Galbraith credited with the goal after his free-kick, won by Saunders, was deflected in off Scott Duxbury.

Brown said: “I almost did a Barry Fry and rand down the touchline but thought better of it.”

Stockport responded immediately, Liam Marrs doing well to clear off the goal-line and Adam Bartlett making a good save from Adam Thomas as the visitors pressed and forced openings.

It was end-to-end at times, and midway through the half it was so close to 2-0. Thompson, in his most effective game in some time, forced his way into the penalty area and played the ball to Cartman, but he got the ball caught under his feet and shot straight at Hinchliffe.

It was a big chance wasted, and Saunders did likewise in the closing stages.

He seized on a mistake by Stockport, but was unable to provide the finish, Hinchliffe saving again, and it proved costly.

Stockport piled forward, Dan Cowan’s cross was collected by Oswell and, after a good first touch, lashed home his 13th goal of the season to deny Darlington what would have been a victory to cherish.

“We’re absolutely gutted,” said Brown. “We had some good chances and deserved to win the game, there’s no two ways about it.

“It’s a little bit of a sucker-punch, but every single player in that dressing room was fantastic and it was a pleasure for me and Phil to take the team.”

They may get another opportunity this weekend at Nuneaton if Gray’s successor is not appointed by then.

By Saturday evening 34 applications had been made, eight of them regarded as “very impressive” by chief executive David Johnston, who wishes to act quickly.

The new man will inherit a team currently 11th, three points off the play-offs, so there’s much to play for.

Brown added: “The chief executive has been outstanding since he came in, his communication with myself and Phil has been top drawer, he’s been very transparent and he will let us know what’s happening.

“Phil and I are absolutely delighted with what the lads have done.

“It would have been easy for the players to turn up today and have a jolly up, but that’s just not what we’re about.”