Source: Northern_Echo
Cooper backing Brown to win over his critics
MARK COOPER hailed the performance of terrace booboy target Aaron Brown after his man of the match display on Tuesday night. The 30-year-old defender made one goal and scored another in Quakers' 2-2 draw with the Blue Square Bet Premier League title favourites Luton. Brown picked out Liam Hatch in a crowded Hatters' penalty area to level the contest for Darlington in the first half, before a sweetly struck effort from the edge of the 18- yard box put the hosts in front at The Northern Echo Arena. The much-travelled left back has not been a favourite with the home supporters since his switch from Wrexham in the summer. But more displays such as the one he gave against Richard Money's Luton and he will quickly turn those boos into cheers. He gets some stick off the crowd at times but he is going to be an important for us as he is an experienced player, said the Darlington manager, who saw his side slip down to eighth place in the table after Tuesday's result. He came on to a better game in the second half once the fans got behind him and it shows just what can be done. Cooper also had some words of praise for his two strikers after the hard-fought 2-2 draw. It is common knowledge the Quakers boss is in the market for another striker after Leon Knight's much-publicised spat with Rushden and Diamonds ensured he wouldn't be joining the club. But the performances of Chris Senior and goalscorer Hatch might buy the 42-yearold manager some time. Both worked tirelessly and never let the visiting back four settle. They worked their socks off, acknowledged Cooper, who will be without Tommy Wright, Ian Miller and Michael Brough for the visit of Southport on Saturday. But that is a prerequisite of anyone who plays for me, or this club. There is no excuse for anyone not running for 90 minutes until they drop. And the same could be said for the whole Darlington side in their toughest contest since dropping from League Two.