Successful teams are often blessed with a little bit of good fortune that assists them in their pursuit of glory. On Saturday Darlington fulfilled the criteria of a fortunate team and then some by picking up the most unlikeliest of victories.

With that in mind, and having now won four of the last five, Quakers can surely expect a rousing finish to the season.

Pinned in their own half for the vast majority of the match, Quakers had only three shots all game but Jason St Juste's first ever goal was enough to secure a win that adds real momentum to the promotion drive, especially with games against the division's lower-ranked teams coming up.

But it was a hectic five-minute spell late in the game in which Quakers really rode their luck and had Grimsby fuming, especially manager Russell Slade who called referee Paul Taylor a disgrace after disallowing Mariners' second half penalty because of encroachment.

When the re-take was magnificently saved by Sam Russell, who Grimsby believed should've been sent off for conceding the spot-kick, the hosts were furious and seconds later tempers spilled over as Terry Fleming was red-carded for foul and abusive language directed at the referee.

The situation was enough to agitate anyone but given Grimsby were the better side throughout, it made it all the harder to swallow for Slade. He was left as seething as Hodgson was relieved to have escaped Blundell Park having stolen three points and effectively ended the Mariners' play-off hopes.

None of Hodgson's previous 104 wins as Darlington boss can have been achieved in such unfair circumstances, especially a crunch match in which both sides were desperate for points.

"I feel like laughing because I don't think we've had so much luck to win a game," admitted Hodgson, whose joy was tempered by David McGurk, who was stretchered off, and Ryan Valentine being added to the injured list.

"We didn't deserve to win but I've been in Grimsby's position many times before, when we've hammered a side but come away with nothing.

"We were very, very lucky because Grimsby deserved something and if I were them I'd be devastated."

The manner of Darlington's victory wasn't dissimilar to when Quakers beat Mariners 1-0 on the opening day of the season, a day when Grimsby played well but lost to a wonderful left-footed strike from distance.

That day Clark grabbed the glory and on Saturday it was St Juste's turn. On 11 minutes a free-kick into the Grimsby penalty area was only half cleared and the teenager volleyed home from 22 yards - a superb first career goal.

Any player would've been proud of the goal, and certainly one that was plying his trade in Quakers' youth team earlier this season.

The shot was Quakers' first and seconds later Jonjo Dickman fired over as Darlington looked set for an attacking period of play. But it didn't materialise and Grimsby soon continued where they'd left off before the goal, keeping possession for long spells.

But their shooting chances were largely restricted due to some committed Darlington players who were clearly motivated.

Hodgson said: "Defensively we were very strong. I'm delighted with the three points, not with our football performance, but I am pleased with the our defensive work and our commitment.

"If we'd had that level of commitment at Leyton Orient three weeks ago we wouldn't have been beaten that day."

Grimsby did test Russell with a Matt Harrold header that the keeper did well to tip over while Quakers' shot-stopper twice denied Graham Hockless; firstly at the near post when the sub shot from inside the penalty area before diving full-stretch to his left to deny the same player.

Darlington's third, and last, shot came in the 36th minute when Mark Convery tried a chip from inside the penalty area but it was only a brief respite as the Mariners' domination continued after the break.

However, for all their possession Sam Russell was tested rarely until the 73rd minute when Michael Reddy raced past Brian Close and was clearly tripped 12 yards from goal by the keeper who could be thankful for receiving only a booking.

Martin Gritton struck the resulting penalty well, sending Russell the wrong with a left-footed strike, only for Taylor to cut short Slade's celebrations, running down the touchline Barry Fry-style, when he ordered a re-take.

Assuming Reddy was in the box before the kick was taken then Taylor was correct to order a re-take but, understandably, Grimsby felt aggrieved because it's rare for referees to make that decision.

Second time around Gritton went for the same side but Russell guessed correctly. Cue angry Mariners, even more annoyed at the keeper escaping a dismissal.

And minutes later their fury was all-too evident as Fleming was yellow-carded for a petulant foul on sub Adrian Webster but while he was booked the Grimsby midfielder peppered his protestations with profanities in the face of Taylor, so he was shown a red card too.

With Town reduced to ten men Quakers got men behind the ball, left Alun Armstrong on his own up front and switched to 4-5-1 with Craig Russell moved to left-back. The move worked and they successfully played the game out to earn a vital three points.

Perhaps fearful of a Grimsby backlash after the game, Taylor didn't emerge from his dressing room for an hour so wasn't able to explain his controversial decisions. Quakers, however, were never going to question his judgement, especially now they're sixth with eight games to go.

Seven of those matches are against teams in the bottom half of the division so a play-off play place is theirs to lose while an automatic promotion spot is certainly not out of the question.