IF last Saturday's game at Scunthorpe United was Barry Conlon's last in a Darlington shirt, his winning goal will be fondly remembered by Quakers fans.

With several clubs chasing the big striker's signature, he looks likely to move on in the summer as he is out of contract and Darlington's uncertain future means they will struggle to offer him better terms than he could receive elsewhere.

His 14 goals this season have been a vital factor in the club's Division Three survival, along with the return of manager David Hodgson.

Conlon's sixth-minute goal at Glanford Park proved enough to secure three points for Quakers and a final league position of 18th which had looked well out of reach at the turn of the year.

The strike was a trademark header from an Ian Clark cross and was the only goal of the game, although both sides went close on several occasions.

Iron striker Steve MacLean struck the underside of the crossbar early in the second half and Richard Kell hit a post late on after Quakers substitute Neil Teggart had also rattled the bar.

With the pressure finally off after a difficult season both on and off the pitch, it was a pleasing way for Hodgson's men to bring the curtain down on the campaign.

In the end, they finished eight points clear of the relegation places and can perhaps look forward to next season with renewed optimism with Hodgson at the helm.

But striker Danny Mellanby has been forced to retire by a persistent back injury.