BOBBY Petta followed the example of Craig Hignett and Clyde Wijnhard this season by endearing himself instantly to the Quakers faithful with a debut goal.

The former Ipswich Town and Celtic player made himself even more popular as his 29th-minute effort proved to be the winner as Darlington took on Bury at Gigg Lane last Saturday.

Whether it was an exquisite chip into the far corner or a miscued cross is open to debate, but it secured three precious points in the race for a promotion play-off place and that's all that matters to Quakers fans.

Now their team must build on a solid performance by taking maximum points from their home game with fifth-bottom Notts County tomorrow.

Manager David Hodgson must decide whether to stick with the new 4-4-2 formation which paid dividends at Gigg Lane or revert to the 3-5-2 line-up he has employed for much of the season.

Joe Kendrick came in at left back, with Brian Close pushed into central midfield, and, after a shaky opening spell during which keeper Sam Russell made two good saves from Jon Newby headers, Darlington were largely in control. They had several chances to wrap the game up after Petta's goal, coming closest to a second when Alun Armstrong hit the post.

Meanwhile, Hodgson revealed this week that Jamaican defender Damion Stewart will be offered a contract until the end of the season.