Darlington assistant manager Richard Dryden believes his side have adapted well to life in non-league football.

The Quakers were relegated from League Two last season and now lie ninth in the Blue Square Bet Premier.

"It's a league where the beautiful game isn't always played beautifully," Dryden told BBC Look North.

"We've got to work hard for respect from teams so we can get the ball down and play. I think we've done that pretty well this season."

The Quakers' record of one defeat in six games means the former Birmingham City and Notts County defender and manager Mark Cooper remain confident they can establish themselves as a force in league.

We think we've got the players fit enough to have a really good go from the first minute to the last. Darlington assistant manager Richard Dryden

"We've upped the work rate the last two or three games, against Barrow and Gateshead," Dryden added.

"We think we've got the players fit enough to have a really good go from the first minute to the last, closing down quick.

"We hope and think it will reap the rewards as the season goes on."

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