Penney was left fuming after Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Chester City

Darlington manager Dave Penney has questioned whether his players have the mental toughness to grind out results in League Two.

Penney was angered by defeats by non-league Droylsden and at home to Chester, and now fears their promotion push could be derailed by such slips.

"I wonder if we're getting ourselves mentally ready to play these so-called 'lesser' teams," he told BBC Tees.

"We should be better than that if we want to achieve things this season."

Penney's frustration at the defeat by Chester on Tuesday was exacerbated as he saw his side throw away a one goal lead to lose the game 2-1.

Chester striker Ryan Lowe hit a terrific strike to level before defender Shaun Kelly netted a winner for the Seals and Quakers boss Penney laid the blame at his side's lack of commitment and effort.

"They were better than us, we didn't work as hard as them, we got the goal early doors and we just switched off," he said.

"We made some awful decisions on the ball, and it's a good goal but we shouldn't let him get into positions like that.

"The ball for the second goal was going wide and we deflected it into our own goal and that summed us up tonight."

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