By Martin Walker

Mark Cooper has shown first signs of the high standards he demands of his players.

Although pleased with his side's work ethic after another encouraging result against League One side Sheffield Wednesday last night, the Quakers boss is unhappy with the way Darlington threw away their 1-0 lead against the Owls.

But Cooper reckons he has plenty of time to work on improving things between now and the season kick-off in three weeks.

"We've conceded a sloppy goal that we shouldn't have and we're disappointed to have drawn the game, but that's a good thing," said the Darlo manager.

"I've had a word with them because I'm not putting up with defending like that. Not just the defenders, it was a terrible goal to give away.

"As much of the ball they had they never played through us, then one lapse of concentration has given them a free shot at goal.

"We've got to be better going forward, which we've got loads of time to work on.

"Games like Workington and Spennymoor will hopefully give us plenty of time to do that.

"We might get more of the ball and they might be more realistic games for us in terms of the standard we're facing next season.

"They've had plenty pats on the back. They're a great bunch of lads, they've worked their socks off.

"But they know my feelings, and they've got to be better."

Darlington's shape and, in particular, the players' fitness levels is pleasing Cooper the most at present.

He added: "We've played 180 minutes of football and we've not really tired.

"We've looked as though we're not going to concede goals which is the first thing you have to do in a game of football, a base to build from, and if you can do that you'll win more games than you'll lose.

"The two centre-halves have done well again, Hone and Miller, Werling looks like he could be a good player and Arnison is doing well.

"But they've all done well, they've all put a shift in and they're all looking fitter which is what this is all about at the moment.

"We're talking about results but it is all about fitness. We're struggling with a couple of injuries but you're going to get a few bumps and bruises and strains because you're doing a lot of training as well as playing games.

"We're still looking to bring in a couple more. We need them, we had a lot of kids on the bench.

"We've got some decent young players, but it's getting the balance right between playing them too much and not enough."