Penney wielding the axe?

Darlington manager Dave Penney could make changes to his side. Whilst Quakers are currently hindered by the transfer window the Darlington boss can still use the loan market if he wishes until the window reopens in January.

Quakers are sitting at the top of the table and have progressed in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. Clearly however Penney is not sitting back. The manager was not impressed with some of his fringe players who were given a chance in the JPT game.

With a small squad any players who are moved on from the squad will probably have to be replaced. Already Darlington have allowed Adam Proudlock and Clayton Fortune to leave on loan. Richie Foran meanwhile has rejoined, also on a temporary basis, from Southend and the indications are that Penney will not stop there.

Penney was speaking to BBC Radio Tees following his team's 1-0 win over Bury on Tuesday night.. The Quakers' manager admitted his delight at getting through but said the performance was not good enough. The Darlington boss then went on to say he has learnt a few things from the game.

"It wasn't a great performance in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. When you are not playing well it is important to grind out a result. We had to freshen it up because one or two players had little niggles. It was important for those who came in to give a good account of themselves but they didn't. We did not play at the right tempo against Bury or the desire we normally have," said Penney.

"It looked like we had switched off with having a break from the league games. It was great to come through with a win but that is about it. You are always looking and learning. There are people who we can call upon and count upon week in and week out. We need to make sure we get more people who can do that in the side. The performance certainly answers questions on some players. It wasn't good enough."

Elsewhere the Darlington boss has missed out on the manager of the month award. The Football League instead awarded the League Two prize to Lincoln City manager Peter Jackson. The Imps are Darlington's next league game on November 15th.