A training ground meeting was instrumental in Adam Mitchell’s return to form in last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Burscough, says Darington manager Martin Gray.

The boss says he demanded more from the former Sunderland winger, who put in a man of the match display at Heritage Park by helping the team stretch their winning run to eight games in league and cup.

He was instrumental in two of the goals; in the first half playing a pass into the feet of Amar Purewal to open the scoring and then winning a penalty by dribbling past Joe Camozzi, the right-back halting Mitchell’s progress by handling the ball.

“There were some great performances, especially from Adam Mitchell, it was probably his best game of the season,” said Gray.

“We had a good chat in training last week about the importance of the team as well as his individual performance. I asked him a few questions about his number of goals and assists.

“He created two or three great chances for Amar and other players and his all-round performance was really strong.

“I would hope it was a response to our conversation, we hope for players to respond because it was all about making him and the team better.”

While Mitchell made a major contribution to the team’s goals on Saturday, Gray credited him with playing a part in the team’s clean sheet – their fourth in the last four games.

Gray added: “Adam’s work off the ball was good as his ability on it. We’ve been asking for that from him.

“We want him to give us more in the final third of the pitch, but also do a bit more of the other side of the game and that was a real big effort from him.

“He’s got to keep those standards up because he’s proven that he can do that and when he does it we’re a better team.”

With an important match against Spennymoor Town next Wednesday at Heritage Park to consider, Gray is contemplating making changes for Saturday’s FA Trophy tie away to Scarborough Athletic, who are based in Bridlington.

Players have returned to injury recently, giving Gray options on the bench.

“We had a strong bench and for a change we had no injuries,” said the manager. “It’s the first time for a long time we haven’t had anyone in the treatment room or needing stitches. I’m delighted about that.

“We’ve got a break from the league coming up with the FA Trophy, but there’s still importance to that game.

“It might be a chance to look at one or two players and give them a start, with the Spennymoor game coming so close afterwards.”

While Quakers play Scarborough, Salford City can reclaim top spot on Saturday as they have a league fixture at Kendal Town. They are now level on points with Darlington after winning one of their games in hand on Tuesday.

* The Darlington Fundraising Group this evening holds their monthly quiz at the Dolphin Centre where the prize is over £300. Starting at 8pm, all are welcome to attend.