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. Bottom-of-the-table Quakers were 1-0 up with 23 minutes to play until they collapsed. 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. 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. 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. Darlington led at the break thanks to a goal from Tadhg Purcell in a first half the hosts edged. 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. We had some chances and played some good football. But I don't know where that second half came from.