Darlington manager Alun Armstrong wants six points from the next two home games, beginning today against AFC Telford United.

The Shropshire side make their second trip to Darington this season after the original game was postponed on the opening day because of Covid in Quakers’ camp; Telford were already in town when the game was called off. Next Saturday Hereford will be the visitors.

Quakers are 18th, while Telford are a place below.

“We’ve got to try and get six points from these next two games against teams around us,” said Armstrong, speaking before he was taken to hospital yesterday for a procedure that means he will miss today’s game.

“Six points will change a lot, and will get us into a more comfortable position, and get the players’ confidence up, although it’s pretty good at the moment.

“Things are going against us a bit; decisions, little mistakes, Jake Cooper’s red card and things like that. These lads are working extremely hard, and as long as they keep doing that, then results will turn.

“I know what they can do – like the performance at Brackley – but they’re not producing it on a regular basis. We know what we’re capable of, and once we’re doing that week in and week out, then we’ll be there or thereabouts.”

New centre half Danny Ellis will make his debut in defence, after signing following his release by Farsley Celtic earlier in the week.

“I’m delighted with Danny’s signing, he’s what we’ve been lacking since I came to the club. Getting him in is a big plus going forward,” Armstrong added.

“Once I found out he was available, I was straight on the phone, and it took about ten seconds for him to say that he wanted to join – so I got it sorted.

“He knows the league; he’s been promoted before. He’s a winner, aggressive and leads by example. It might take him a game or two to get used to the lads, but when he crosses the white line, everyone will see a big difference in the lads.

“Whenever we’ve played Farsley, he’s bullied us. Hopefully, our lads will see what they need to add to their game to make them better players.”

Quakers will be missing Cooper because of a three-match ban picked up for his dismissal against York last week – their appeal was thrown out by the FA.

“I’m totally baffled by the decision,” added Armstrong. “The ref said looking back he thought it was yellow, the assessor also said he thought it was yellow. I thought it would be automatically overturned, so I don’t know how you can win an appeal now. It’s a pity, because Jake was getting better and better by the game.”

Defender Lexus Beeden has joined Northern League strugglers Billingham Town on loan.