MARTIN GRAY has leapt to the defence of new signing goalkeeper Adam Bartlett, after the goalkeeper’s gaffes ruined his Darlington debut.

Signed this week after leaving Hartlepool United, Bartlett was handed his first game in Quakers colours this afternoon at Gainsborough Trinity, but had a part to play in all three of the goals conceded in the 3-3 draw.

An injury-time equaliser by Dave Syers salvaged a point for the play-off hopefuls, Darlington having led 1-0 thanks to an early Mark Beck goal.

But they then went 3-1 down, the first Gainsborough goal coming when Bartlett was unable to deal with a cross into the box, allowing Matt Wilson to head home.

And the second, scored by Ashley Worsfold, swiftly followed after confusion between Terry Galbraith and Bartlett.

Before the hosts extended the lead soon after the restart, a long throw into the penalty area was not dealt with by a static Darlington defence and goalkeeper.

“There’s no point hiding away from it, the keeper was at fault for all three goals,” admitted Gray.

“But one thing I want to make clear, I am standing by him. He’s the keeper for us long-term. He’s got great experience “It’s easy to forget he made two or three saves, but all people will talk about is the mistakes and nobody is more disappointed than Adam.

“I will stand by him 100 per cent because he is the keeper for us going forward.

“He apologised in the changing room afterwards. He’ll have had bad days before and come through it. Yes, he didn’t want to have a debut like that, but we ground out a result.”

Darlington, now seventh, are at home to Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday.