By Martin Walker

Steve Staunton reckons Darlington have nothing to lose at Northampton tomorrow.

The Quakers boss says his players are in good spirits going into their trip to the Sixfields Stadium.

The Cobblers, who came from behind to win 2-1 at the Northern Echo Arena six weeks ago, are just outside the League Two play-offs.

But Staunton says Ian Sampson's side won't be expecting an easy afternoon tomorrow.

"We've got nothing to lose," he said. "Everyone has written us off since I've come here, so it's a case of us going there and doing what we know we can do, and not letting our standards drop. We've raised the bar and we'll continue to raise it.

"We played them a few weeks ago and we were disappointed we didn't come away with anything. We were on the end of a 2-1 defeat when we felt we dominated for long periods in the game.

"But that's the way it's gone for us and I keep on telling the players our luck can only change. I can't fault their effort since Christmas. Apart from one 45 minutes, they've been excellent in how they've tried to play the game and creating chance.

"Unfortunately we've shot ourselves in the foot too many times, but we are getting stronger and better."

Staunton insists his players were given a boost by their point at promotion-chasing Bury, whey they arguably should have won all three.

"The players are buoyant," he said. "They're all in good spirits. The dressing room was down on Tuesday night. They were so disappointed we didn't come away with three points, but that's a great sign.

"They're a determined bunch and we'll go again on Saturday. Northampton know it's not going to be an easy game for them and we'll try to make sure it isn't.

"The players are looking forward to Saturday because they know they're so close. It's that little bit extra luck, I'm sure we'll be winning games rather than drawing or losing them."