Austin back to his best - Penney

Austin joined the Quakers on a free transfer from Barnsley in June 2007

Darlington manager Dave Penney believes defender Neil Austin is playing the best football of his career following Monday's 2-1 win against Bradford City.

Austin, 25, scored a fine free-kick to help the Quakers to their third win in five unbeaten games and Penney has been delighted with his contribution.

"He got an injury early on last season and struggled," Penney told BBC Tees.

"He got it sorted out, he looks fitter, stronger and quicker and he's really on top of his game at the moment."

Penney signed Austin from hometown club Barnsley on a free transfer in June 2007 and the full-back has since made 45 appearances, scoring four goals.

Monday's match also brought the TV cameras to the Arena as the Quakers enjoyed the media spotlight for the first time this season.

And Penney hopes that the quality of the football on show might entice a few of the armchair football fans who saw the live game to come to watch his side in the flesh.

"We've got some great supporters and it's great if we can put on a show like that and people watch it," he said.

"Hopefully some people sat at home will have had a look at the stadium and the product on show and enjoyed and think 'maybe I'll pop down one day'.

"We were excellent and Bradford gave it a real go and the tempo from both sets of players was fantastic."

The win takes Darlington up to seventh in League Two, a point and a place behind Bradford.