DARLINGTON'S unexpected re-emergence as League Two promotion contenders has prompted Dave Penney to highlight the major role his new-look defence has played in their sudden upturn in fortunes.

When Darlington last tasted a league defeat, at home to Shrewsbury Town on December 30, three of the defenders who are expected to start against Walsall this afternoon weren't even at the club.

Added to that, goalkeeper Lee Jones was still at Blackpool prior to his move to the North-East in January.

But, following the arrival of loan trio David Wheater, Ian Miller and Evan Horwood, Darlington are proving an increasingly difficult side to beat.

They are unbeaten in ten matches which is their longest unbeaten league run since going 11 undefeated at the end of 1995/96.

Penney has made wholesale changes throughout the squad since his appointment in October. But it is in the defensive department that Penney has wielded the axe most.

Joey Hutchinson was released last month, while the likes of Darren Holloway and Patrick Collins - first-team regulars at the start of the season - have struggled to hold down places under Penney.

"We're a bit more resilient now," said Quakers' boss. "If you look at the back four we've got three loans in and Lee Jones, who has made his loan move permanent.

"That's the area we thought we were weakest in and we've strengthened."

In particular, Penney has hailed the form of central defensive partners Wheater and Miller, who have conceded just two goals in the four games they have played alongside each other.

"After the first 20 minutes of their first game (against Boston) they got to know each other," said Penney.

"They've had four or five games alongside each other now and I think Dave and Ian have got stronger every time they've played together."

Having overcome relegation-threatened Torquay United seven days ago, Darlington face another side desperate for points, but for very different reasons, this afternoon.

Walsall are second in League Two, with Richard Money's men aiming to strengthen their automatic promotion hopes on their first visit to the 96.6TFM Darlington Arena.

"They're all fighting for points for different reasons, either to get out of a relegation battle or to get into the play-off places or automatic promotion," said Penney.

"It's better to see all the teams having something to play for than a boring end-of-season game with nothing at stake."

"Swindon was a tough test for us and this is probably the biggest game at home and it will tell us how far we have come."

Walsall were nine points clear at the top of League Two at the beginning of December. But, after winning just one of their five games in February, the Saddlers' promotion hopes have suffered a severe setback.

However, following their emphatic 4-1 win at home to Barnet last weekend, Penney has warned Walsall will be difficult to overcome this afternoon.

He said: "They're second in the league, they made a fantastic start to the season but they had a blip over Christmas.

"But they had a great result last weekend and I'm sure it will be a tough test for us.

"Hopefully it will be an open game and they won't come with a negative game plan.

"They'll want three points and hopefully that will make it a more entertaining game than it has been of late at home."

Indeed, Penney's first taste of criticism from Darlington fans has been due to their lacklustre form at home.

While Penney acknowledges Darlington need to improve on home soil, results remain his top priority.

The former Doncaster Rovers boss said: "We'd like to put on a decent performance for 90 minutes, not just a half like we did against Boston and Accrington.

"The last time I can remember us playing well was Swansea at home, even though we got beat. That level of performance should get us a result.

"Having said that, I think I'd rather win 1-0 every week, like we did at Torquay. I'm happy for us to grind out results."

Penney will recall Brian Close to the Darlington squad after the defender was rested at Torquay.

Walsall will be without Ian Roper for the rest of the season after the defender suffered knee ligament damage against Stockport last month.

"I'm expecting it to be a very open game," said Money. "We know that on our day we are more than capable of beating them but they also have the ability within their ranks to beat us."

Watford have allowed defender Clarke Carlisle to join Luton on a month-long loan.

Carlisle has yet to play a first-team game this season due to persistent thigh problems but is likely to play a part for the Coca-Cola Championship strugglers against Wolves at Kenilworth Road today.

The 27-year-old joined Watford from Leeds during the summer of 2005 and played a pivotal role in helping the Hornets to promotion last term. Now Hornets boss Adrian Boothroyd will give the former Blackpool man a chance to develop match fitness