DAVID HODGSON believes now is the time to put behind Darlington's inconsistent ways and finally realise their play-off dream.

With four games remaining - Mansfield (a), Rushden (h), Lincoln (a) and Cheltenham (h) - seventh-placed Quakers occupy the final play-off spot, one point above Northampton.

They wasted an ideal opportunity to strengthen their position in the top seven after Saturday's 3-1 defeat at relegation-elect Cambridge.

Hodgson's men are one of four - along with Northampton, Wycombe and Rochdale - outside the top six with a geniune chance of making the play-offs.

And, while tenth-placed Rochdale have the most ground to make - they are four points adrift - they are the form team, having lost just once in their last ten.

"We've struggled for consistency all season," admitted Hodgson. "I have no idea why, but we can't seem to grasp the opportunity when it is there, staring at us in the face.

"Those teams who have been consistent will get their rewards by winning promotion.

"We have four games to prove that we're good enough to go up.

"Rochdale have had a good run and will fancy themselves, even though they are four points behind us."

Hodgson believes teams only have to look at the example set by Southend to see how a consistent run can pay dividends.

Since the turn of the year, the Shrimpers have soared from 11th to second in the League Two table, losing just once in 17 games.

"Southend have been able to put a good run together and look at where they are now," said Hodgson. "After a couple of wins, they've grew in confidence and have got where they are by working really hard for each other."

Quakers travel to Mansfield this weekend, where they are expected to hand a debut to on-loan Middlesbrough defender Matthew Bates.

"We've done well to get where we are and we need to build on that," said Hodgson.

"Mansfield won't be an easy game, but if we have the right work ethic and approach the game in the right way we won't have any problems."

l Adam Boyd is sure his fledging partnership with Jon Daly will be a success.

The pair were thrown together in Hartlepool United's forward line last weekend, after Joel Porter was ruled out with an ankle injury.

If Porter is forced out of Friday's vital game with Sheffield Wednesday, Boyd and Daly will be given a second chance to hit it off.

And, after linking up promisingly at Layer Road, Boyd would welcome the chance to play with the Irishman again.

He said: "I think we had enough chances to beat them but coming back after going 1-0 down, you have got to be happy with that.

"Joel got injured in training the day before the game which is a shame because he has been playing really well, hopefully though it won't be too serious and he will be back for Friday's game.

"But Jon played really well. He put himself about and held the ball up well and it was good to play there with him.''

Pool meet The Owls at Victoria Park with vital play-off points at stake. Wednesday are a point and a place ahead of Pool.