Source: Northern_Echo
Players 'fragile' says boss
STEVE STAUNTON admitted he was frustrated with his players labelling their mental state fragile' after Darlington lost 3-1 at home to Port Vale last night.[LNB] Bottom-of-the-table Quakers were 1-0 up with 23 minutes to play until they collapsed.[LNB] The circumstances were similar to the previous home 3-2 defeat to Chesterfield, in which Darlington had led 2-0 late on, and Staunton said: We didn't turn up in the second half, that wasn't acceptable.[LNB] I thought the two fullbacks were outstanding but other than that too many players in the second half were nowhere near the standard they have been in recent weeks.[LNB] We were too soft, mentally weak we were. There could be a fear factor after the last game. I say mentally weak, but fragile is probably a better word because we looked edgy and nervous. We have to change that mentality.[LNB] Darlington led at the break thanks to a goal from Tadhg Purcell in a first half the hosts edged.[LNB] Staunton added: It was so disappointing and I feel for the supporters. We have been doing well, although we haven't had the results, but there's been some positives and there were some positives again in the first half.[LNB] We had some chances and played some good football.[LNB] But I don't know where that second half came from.[LNB]
