DARLINGTON threw off the despair with which they waved goodbye to 2004 to welcome 2005 in party mood.
They made a remarkable recovery from a run of three heavy defeats to win 1-0 at leaders Scunthorpe United on New Year's Day before defeating visitors Macclesfield Town 3-1 two days later.
The six points moved Quakers back into the promotion play-off places in sixth spot, with tomorrow's home game against Oxford United offering a golden opportunity to consolidate their position.
An Alun Armstrong goal on the hour was enough to give David Hodgson's side an unlikely three points at Glanford Park. Scunthorpe had Andy Butler sent off just before half-time, while Quakers had Brian Close dismissed four minutes from time.
Armstrong was also on target against the Silkmen, sealing the three points nine minutes from time after Jon Parkin replied to goals from Clyde Wijnhard and Neil Maddison.
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