OUT-OF-FAVOUR Josh Falkingham must be patient while he waits for another chance in Martin Gray’s first XI.

That is the message from the Darlington manager, who has not selected the midfielder in Quakers’ past six fixtures as he seeks to rediscover a winning formula.

Ex-Dunfermline ace Falkingham arrived at the club in September after a successful trial and played in 12 successive games in Quakers’ midfield, impressing during his initial outings.

But with Leon Scot having returned to favour of late, playing alongside firm favourite Phil Turnbull, Gray has confined Falkingham to bench duty.

“It’s frustrating for him, but the other two midfield lads have done well, and Dave Syers has done alright coming off the bench,” said Gray.

“He’s probably been a bit unlucky because he had two or three games when he did not quite produce and then Leon came into the team and took his chance.

“He’s a good player, he’s just going to have to be patient.”

Falkingham did his chances of a recall no harm when he performed well as a half-time substitute on Saturday when Darlington drew 3-3 at Stockport County.

New signing David Ferguson was also a substitute at the weekend, making his first appearance since the formalities of his transfer from Northern League club Shildon were completed.

He played in an advanced left-side position ahead of full-back Terry Galbraith, firming up the flank, and Gray says his new recruit could player in a number of positions.

The manager said: “He gives us another option. He’s left-footed, a natural left-sided player and I couldn’t pin him down as being a wing-back, a left-back or an attacking winger.

“I just know we’ve signed a very good player and he came on and showed some very good touches on Saturday.”

Ferguson is in line to make his first appearance on home territory on Saturday when Darlington face Curzon Ashton at Blackwell Meadows.

Quakers dropped a place to fifth last night after being overtaken by Salford City, who won their game in hand by beating in-form Nuneaton Town.

Nuneaton’s 2-1 win at Darlington earlier this month was one of nine unbeaten games, but they lost 4-0 at Salford.

At the top of the table, AFC Fylde’s seemingly unstoppable march to the title continued with a 2-0 victory against Alfreton. They are now nine points clear of Kidderminster Harriers.