Boss Todd tells Quakers to get on the ball.

DARLINGTON have been told to make life easier for themselves by keeping the ball better at Port Vale today, writes STUART RAYNER. But more than anything, manager Colin Todd wants to see his team end their barren run in front of goal.

Not since David Dowson's late consolation on the opening day of the League Two season have the Quakers found the net.

It is something else the former Sunderland defender is hoping his team can improve on after starting the season with four straight defeats.

"It's a new team but I don't look upon it as an excuse," he said. "We've not been far away in our two home games but certain things have cost us. Against Bury we could have come away with a point but missed a penalty late on.

"Against Crewe - who I expect to be up there this season - we just lost it in the last two minutes.

"We have to have better retention of the ball in the opposition half. Hopefully we can improve and show more consistency in that respect so we can get a bit of a breather and put the opposition under pressure.

"We just hope we can get a goal in our favour. It will be interesting to see how we react when we get that first goal."

Kevin Gall became the Quakers' fourth new signing this week after defender Rikki Bains and wingers Jordan Cook and Nathan Porritt.

The former Newcastle United winger's career has stuttered since falling out of favour at Carlisle United the season before last. Todd, though, has no concerns.

"He's had a full pre-season with other clubs so he should be ready," he said. "Having him gives us a few more options.

"He's only 27. I can remember when I was at Bradford he played against us and did well. If we can rekindle that we'll have a good player."

Darlington fans are also familiar with Gall, who played eight games for them in a two-month loan in 2008. He has joined on a non-contract basis.

After a busy week, Todd will be looking to get the most out of his new men, rather than adding to them.

"I've got better players than I started the season with," was his assessment.

"I think that will be it for the moment.

Tuesday was the first time Jordan Cook and Nathan Porritt had met the players. I'm hoping they give us a little bit more on Saturday."

Paul Arnison's hamstring is Darlington's only injury. Captain Steve Foster should return from his midweek rest.