Liversedge was praised by boss Steve Staunton

Darlington manager Steve Staunton has absolved goalkeeper Nick Liversedge of blame despite the club's 2-1 defeat by Hereford United on Saturday.

Liversedge, 21, was making only his third start of the season, after Russell Hoult returned to Notts County, and turned in a bright display.

"We were too disjointed at the back but I can't blame the goalkeeper he did well," Staunton told BBC Tees.

"He made a great save towards the end, and had a great game outside of that."

Liversedge joined Darlington during former boss Dave Penney's spell in charge, and spent the 2008-09 season on loan at Whitby Town.

The Quakers remain bottom of the table, despite a goal from on-loan Aston Villa striker James Collins lighting up the defeat by Hereford with his first goal for the club.

And Staunton paid tribute to the 19-year-old after his strike.

"He's a finisher, it was a good finish to be fair to him," said Staunton.

"The substitution gave us a bit extra, Mor [Diop] held the ball up well, but we just needed a bit more quality from the crosses."

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