TOMMY Taylor's patched up troops go into battle against Swansea City at Feethams tomorrow desperate to halt a run of nine games without a win.

Although Quakers are still 11 points clear of bottom club Halifax Town, last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at York City coincided with an amazing 4-1 home win for the Shaymen over Cheltenham Town.

The possibility of relegation was unthinkable only a few weeks ago, but Darlington are now in such disarray that it can't be ruled out completely.

The only recognised strikers available to Taylor are teenager Mark Sheeran and Glenn Naylor, who was on the bench at Bootham Crescent as he eases his way back after long-term injury.

To add to the manager's problems, Phil Brumwell, David Brightwell and Brian Atkinson were all undergoing treatment this week after picking up injuries last Saturday.

Quakers' lack of firepower was plain for all to see against the Minstermen, who won with goals by Mike Basham ten minutes into the second half and Michael Proctor after 67 minutes.

With Neil Maddison and Ian Clark again filling in up front, Darlington rarely looked like scoring.

Meanwhile, captain Craig Liddle reported that a meeting between the players and chairman George Reynolds on Monday had ended amicably. He will be hoping that a calmer atmosphere off the pitch will coincide with better performances on it.