Source: Northern_Echo
Chandler optimistic of an improvement in fortunes
DETERMINED midfielder Jamie Chandler is convinced Darlington will soon recover from their disastrous start to the season.
Despite an eye-catching performance from the onloan Sunderland youngster, at Port Vale on Saturday Quakers slipped to a fourth consecutive league defeat which equalled the clubs worst start to a season.
Not since the Division Three (North) days of 1950-51 have Darlington lost all four opening league games.
They recovered that season finishing 18th something Quakers aim to do as they are currently bottom after Grimsby leapfrogged them thanks to Barry Conlons strike in a 1-0 win at Bury.
Weve conceded some sloppy goals but as a team were sticking together and nobody is getting on each others backs, said Chandler who is on loan until Christmas.
Once we get that first win well be alright. Its massively frustrating for us but we cant dwell on things because weve got a home game on Saturday and then another home game on Tuesday next week.
Im disappointed for myself but more so for the team.
We all gave it 100 per cent but the luck isnt going for us at the moment.
Its disappointing but we are playing well, we just need the ball to bounce for us like it has for the other teams and hopefully well soon be the side winning 1-0.
Chandler and fellow loanees from Sunderland Jordan Cook and David Dowson have all made an impact but Darlington are yet to see the best of Middlesroughs Nathan Porritt.
He joined on a temporary basis last week, and manager Colin Todd was disappointed with his contribution at Vale Park. He said of the winger: We have brought Porritt in and not once did he go down the outside.
He never produced and hes the player whos trying to express himself.
If hes honest he will look at himself and admit he has to do more. Everybody was expecting a lot from him but youve seen with your own eyes that his workrate has to be there too.
Having lost all four league games, plus the Carling Cup tie with Leeds, Todd must now prepare his side for Saturdays visit of Cheltenham.
He said: I have to pick these boys up again but I cant fault them for their desire.
We have to make sure we keep that resolve and desire.
Theres no magic formula to turn things around.
Were not going to feel sorry for ourselves, were back in work on Monday and well get ready for the next game.
