I can't fault my players - Penney

Dave Penney's loan players are to return from Darlo to their parent clubs

Darlington boss Dave Penney has praised his players for managing to keep their minds on football despite all the club's off-field problems.

Administration has forced loanees back to parent clubs, wages have been deferred and a late penalty was the key to Tuesday's 1-0 loss at Gillingham.

But Penney told BBC Tees: "I can't fault anyone. It's easy to lay down and die and feel sorry for yourselves.

"But the bigger picture is survival. They've shown a great attitude."

The Quakers biggest loss was the departure of Peterborough striker Liam Hatch, who scored nine goals in 24 games for the club during his loan spell, while Wrexham defender Carl Tremarco, Carlisle striker Danny Carlton Carlisle and Colchester keeper Dean Gerken also left the Arena.

Darlington have dropped to 13th in League Two, with 44 points from 34 games, after a run of four defeats in their last five matches.

But Penney's hand has been forced by the financial issues surrounding the club, crippling the club with regard to bringing in new recruits.

And having played the loan market well earlier in the season, Penney admits the size of his squad will be a concern between now and the end of the season.

"We've got to work with these players, no one else can help us out," he said.

"With administration it's 20 players. That's 18 outfield players with the two goalkeepers. And when we've got eight injured or suspended we have to work with the 10 we've got left.

"We can't affect things off the field, other than trying to get a few results and make the club a saleable asset, but that's difficult with a lack of bodies."