At this stage last year Stephen Thompson had scored three times and Darlington were banging the goals in.

One year on and it’s been a mixed start to the campaign for both Quakers and the play-maker, so often viewed as the architect of the team’s most productive work.

Having had to wait for his chance after missing the first two matches of the season due to suspension, Thompson’s since made six appearances without finding the net.

That’s his joint-longest barren spell since joining the club two years ago this month, though Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Farsley saw Thompson’s cross tee-up Terry Galbraith to score.

Manager Martin Gray substituted Thompson midway through the half, but believes the 25-year-old is beginning to rediscover his best form.

“He started to tire and I wanted us to keep our shape better defensively,” explained Gray. “We knew we would have to defend at set-pieces so sent Liam Hatch on, a bit more height.

“Thommo’s coming back to what he’s about, he’s getting there. It doesn’t matter whether you’re Stephen Thompson or David Beckham, football is all about confidence. Players go through lapses and it can affect their confidence.

“It’s our job as coaches to believe in players and there’s so much more to come from him. He will change a game sooner or later, it’s coming.”

After returning from injury, both Amar Purewal and David Dowson are due to be in the squad when Darlington face Blyth Spartans in the FA Cup tomorrow at Heritage Park, 3pm.

Ryan Noble, who made his home Darlington debut on Wednesday, is more likely than Thompson to make way in the first round qualifying tie.

Gray added: "He needs a goal to go in off his backside or a penalty, but on Wednesday I looked at what he did for the team. We asked him to keep team’s shape right, be more of a team player and not attacking-minded all the time and I was delighted with that side of his game.

“He’s getting there and I’ve got a lot of faith in him. He had an iffy pre-season when he had a holiday as well, but he’ll be back.”

The game has been switched until tomorrow as Bishop Auckland are at home to Spennymoor Town in the Cup today.

Gray is unaffected by the change of day and would like to see a bumper crowd for the visit of a club with a strong association with the Cup.

“It’s a big game as it’s the FA Cup against a team in the region from the league above us,” added Gray. “We’ve had them watched and we’re know they’re a good team with strong support.

“I’m sure there’ll be a big turn-out, we’re certainly hoping for a bumper crowd.

“It doesn’t make much difference to me whether we play on a Sunday or Saturday, it’s still game day.

“I hope the neutrals come and have a look. We’ll be the only game on in the area so people might fancy an FA Cup game on a Sunday afternoon, and I hope we put on a performance.”

Blyth have reached the first round proper of the Cup 31 times and famously made it to the fifth round in 1977–78, which saw a replay with Wrexham played at Newcastle United’s St James’ Park.

In 2008-09 Quakers’ Mark Bell and Gary Brown were at Blyth, then managed by Harry Dunn, now Darlington’s chief scout, when they faced Blackburn Rovers in the third round at Croft Park.

* Admission tomorrow is £9 adults, £6 concessions and £4 children. Season tickets are not valid. Parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for a donation to the club.