WITH six clean sheets in their last eight games, Darlington are fast-becoming the shut-out kings of League Two.

What makes their rich vein of defensive form all the more impressive is the almost endless list of defenders manager Dave Penney has been forced to call upon due to unavailability.

With 19 appearances from a possible 24, Patrick Collins is Darlington's most represented defender this season.

During that time the 21-year-old has partnered five players at the heart of the Quakers defence.

"We've had some really bad luck with defenders but the lads who have come in have done a great job," said Collins

"Losing Shelton Martis at the start of the season was a blow and we've also had players like Joey Hutchinson out through injury.

"They are two quality defenders, and experienced players like Darren Holloway have been a massive help.

"I've been asked whether or not it's difficult to adapt to playing with different players but I haven't had any problem at all with it."

Collins has started in all six games Quakers have won since Penney's appointment last month.

And the former Sunderland and Sheffield Wednesday defender believes the arrival of Penney has provided the whole squad with a fresh incentive to make their mark in the side.

He said: "Everybody has been given a clean slate under the new manager and I think the results have shown that we want to do well.

"The last seven or eight games have been brilliant to be involved in and since the manager came in we have been under extra pressure to do well.

"It's healthy pressure and I think it's good to know that if you're not performing there are other players waiting to come in and take your place."

* A young Darlington reserves side were beaten 4-1 by Hartlepool United at Billingham Town's Bedford Terrace yesterday. Michael Rae (2) and Matty Tymon (2) were on target for Pools, with Ben Davis replying for Quakers.